VoLumen® is a low density barium sulfate contrast agent especially designed for MDCT (multi-detector row CT) and PET/CT exams to mark the bowel. Volumen is useful for CT studies of the small bowel and mesenteric vessels.
Positive oral contrast media may limit the delineation between soft bowel tissues and the lumen and may cause artifacts. Water or methyl-cellulose transits very rapidly and may limit bowel distention and soft tissue differentiation. Volumen, similar to water appears hypodense (low Hounsfield values) on CT scan and can be used in conjunction with IV contrast. VoLumen's low density formulation is well-suited for computed tomography enterography.

A barium enema is an x-ray examination of the colon and rectum to find abnormalities such as polyps, diverticulosis, cancer, or inflammatory disease.
Liquid barium is administered through a small tube inserted into the rectum. In case of an air-contrast or double-contrast barium enema, the added air improves the evaluation of the lining of the large intestine.
Barium enemas require a bowel preparation with laxatives, starting one day before the examination.

See also Colonoscopy and Virtual Colonoscopy.

Baro-Cat® is a barium sulfate suspension for use as an aid for computed tomography of the gastrointestinal tract. The contrast medium contains additional pineapple-banana flavor suspending agents, simethicone, potassium sorbate, citric acid, sorbitol, artificial sweetener and water.
Individual technique will determine the suspension quantity and specific procedure used. For computed tomography of the upper gastrointestinal tract should the patient drink 300 mL Baro-Cat® approximately 2 hours before and an additional 300 mL approximately 15 minutes prior to the CT scan. For total bowel opacification the patient should drink additional 300 mL the night before the examination. If rapid transit is desired, administer the suspension chilled. Rectally administered the contrast agent should be at room temperature to body temperature.

The Germany-based pharmaceutical company is the result of the take-over of Schering AG by Bayer AG in 2006. The Bayer Schering Pharma AG is part of the Bayer HealthCare AG, which represents the pharmaceutical part of the Bayer Group. Activities of the Bayer Schering Pharma AG are Diagnostic Imaging, Hematology & Cardiology, Oncology, Primary Care, Specialized Therapeutics and Women's Healthcare. The diagnostic imaging part's contrast agents for MRI, x-ray and CT are 'world-market leaders'.
See also Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals.

The CM (contrast material) ratio refers to the ratio between the number of iodine atoms and the number of particles in the solution. The CM ratio is fundamental in the chemical analysis of contrast media.

See also Ionic Dimer, Ionic Monomer, Nonionic Dimer and Nonionic Monomer.