Whole Milk Safer Than Barium for GI Scans: New Study
Whole milk is as effective as diluted barium when used as an oral contrast agent for patients undergoing a gastrointestinal CT scan. It's cheaper and safer for patients, according to a new study published in a recent edition of the American Journal of Roentgenology.
Radiologists reviewing abdominal and pelvic CT images of 215 patients, some given whole milk and the others 0.1 percent barium suspension, determined that the images were equally useful for diagnostic purposes, regardless of which drink the patient consumed. All the patients also received an IV contrast agent whether they drank milk or barium.
Milk was determined by researchers to simply be less expensive, to have better patient acceptance and to cause fewer side effects than typical barium solutions.
Previously on the DC Metro Area Medical Malpractice Law Blog, we have posted articles related to:
- How trauma patients are routinely exposed to dangerous radiation levels in the hospital
- A heart imaging scan that carries a cancer risk
- Why the FDA has ordered black box warnings for imaging drugs Definity and Optison
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