Radiocontrast: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

A radiocontrast agent is a compound used to improve the visibility of internal bodily structures in an X-Ray image.

Typically, radiocontrast agents are metallic compounds. For example, a solution of barium sulfate is often swallowed by a patient before an X-ray image is taken of the gastrointestinal tract.

Most radiocontrast agents absorb X-Rays and increase radiodensity, so as to create a more intense shadow on the X-Ray film.