What is barium?
Barium sulfate is a contrast agent. It works by coating the inside of your esophagus, stomach, or intestines which allows them to be seen more clearly on a CT scan or other radiologic examination.
It is used to help diagnose certain disorders of the esophagus, stomach, or intestines."
Often medications or solutions have to be administered to help deliver an accurate test result. These types of tests are often ordered when a view of an internal organ needs to be viewed to determine proper functioning. Being able to explain what a contrast medium, such as barium, is used for helps a radiographer to educate patients prior to an exam being performed.
"Barium is a contrast medium that is delivered in a drink or an enema that can help reveal problems in the digestive system."
