Medical imaging is a diagnostic procedure that gives the doctor an internal view of the patient’s body without any invasive procedures. Some of the common types of imaging include x-ray radiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computational tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), and ultrasound, or sonography. Depending on what is being examined and why, a contrast solution may be used to highlight certain organs, fluids, or structures in the body. Contact us for more information.
Radiography uses either iodine or barium as a contrast. Iodine is injected into the veins whereas barium is either ingested or introduced rectally. These fluids block the passage of light, so they show up as solid lines or areas on the x-ray. An MRI uses the chemical gadolinium for contrast because it affects the magnetic properties of water in a way that yields a clearer image. If contrast is used in an ultrasound, the fluid is an air- or saline-based micro-bubble solution that is especially effective for detecting irregular blood flow to the heart, known as a cardiac shunt.
When the patient receives a contrast prior to an image, most of the time, the technician injects the contrast into the patient’s vein manually. Most technicians still prefer the control they have with a manual syringe injector. However, hospitals and radiology departments or clinics prefer to buy automated injectors. There are several kinds of automated injectors. One is called a syringeless injector, and it injects the fluid into the vein through hydraulic power. Another type of automated injector is the dual head injector. The first head opens the vein by injecting a saline solution and the second follows by injecting the contrast. One benefit of this method is that it puts patients at lower risk of infection. Another advantage of automated injectors is that they can be programmed to deliver a precise dosage.
If you are interested in purchasing any type of contrast injector, you can either buy new or pre-owned equipment. Pre-owned injectors can be much less expensive but still high in quality, particularly if the seller offers maintenance and repair.
