Milk Effective as Contrast Agent for Some CAT Scans

(HealthCentersOnline) - Milk is nearly identical in terms of effectiveness when compared to significantly more expensive barium contrast agents for abdominal CAT scans, according to a recent study.

Comparisons between the barium-based agent, VoLumen, and whole milk showed that VoLumen worked only slightly better, was much more expensive and was less palatable to patients.

Upper gastrointestinal (GI) barium tests are used to help diagnose disorders of the upper and middle portion of the GI tract, such as the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. During these painless tests, a patient drinks a white liquid called barium, which coats the digestive tract.

These areas are then highlighted during X-rays to help diagnose the cause of a number of GI symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain and vomiting. Upper GI barium tests can help reveal blockages, irregular growths, ulcers and other potential abnormalities.

The study included patients who were due to have abdominal CAT scans with oral and intravenous contrast agents to evaluate symptoms. Of these, 62 were given VoLumen and 102 were given four percent whole milk.

Although the patients given VoLumen were able to be examined slightly more easily, it was not a significant enough difference to justify the cost ($18 for VoLumen versus $1.39 for milk) or the unpleasant taste. Forty percent of the patients who took VoLumen said they would have preferred milk. In contrast, 85 percent of the patients who drank milk said they would do so again under similar circumstances.

Patients in the United States receive between 30 million to 40 million CAT scans each year, and 30 to 40 percent of them are for abdominal conditions. The effectiveness of whole milk could mean a considerable savings for patients set to undergo such a test. Furthermore, many patients, especially children, often refuse to drink contrast agents, making milk a useful alternative.