Contrast is a substance used during some scans to help blood vessels, organs, inflammation, or tumors show up more clearly.
Contrast itself is not a disease, so it does not cause the symptoms that led to the scan. People may notice a brief warm feeling, a metallic taste, or mild stomach upset depending on the type of contrast used.
Contrast is helpful when doctors need to see blood vessels, infection, inflammation, active bleeding, tumors, or organ detail more clearly than a non-contrast scan can show.
It improves visibility on CT, MRI, fluoroscopy, and some X-ray studies depending on the question being asked.
The team decides whether contrast is needed based on the diagnosis being considered and any safety concerns such as prior reactions or kidney disease.
This entry explains the word. If it appeared on your report, the next step is getting that report interpreted for your case.
