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Glossary of Terms
anaphylaxis: A severe, sudden, often fatal bodily reaction to a foreign substance.
barium: A crystalline insoluble compound BaSO4 that is used as a substance opaque to X rays in medical imaging of the digestive tract.
blood thinner: A drug used to prevent the formation of blood clots by hindering coagulation of the blood.
CT or CAT SCAN: Computed Tomography (CT) is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional images of the body.
diabetes: A disease process in which the pancreas is not producing enough insulin.
digestive system: The bodily system concerned with the ingestion, digestion, and absorption of food
IV Contrast: A special liquid that is used intravenously to brighten the contents of the body during imaging procedures.
kidney function: A measure of the working status of the kidneys. The function is tested with a lab test for BUN and Creatinine levels. This measures the ability of the kidneys to excrete the contrast injected during the CT test.
radiation: Radiant energy emitted in the form of waves or particles.
vessels: Blood vessels compose a continuous system of channels through which blood transports oxygen and nutrients to and waste materials from all body tissues.
venipuncture: A puncture of a vein especially for the withdrawal of blood or for the injection of intravenous medication, contrast.
