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Contrast media used to enhance the differences in signal intensity emitted from tissues during ultrasonic imaging procedures. Ultrasound contrast agents typically consist of consist of microbubbles of gas (e.g., air, nitrogen, perfluorocarbon) encapsulated by a shell that increase the reflectivity of fluids (e.g., blood) or tissues, enhancing the ultrasound image. Ultrasound contrast microbubble shells are composed of various materials, including albumin, galactose, or lipids. The composition of the shell and the type of gas within the microbubble determine its degree of elasticity, which affects how the microbubble responds to the acoustic energy in the ultrasound beam. Ultrasound contrast media typically require product-specific preparation prior to administration. Some agents are delivered in powder form that is reconstituted with sterile saline, while other agents are in liquid form and require either hand agitation or mechanical agitation using a specialized machine.
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