Barium Sulfate Suspension Safety

Barium sulfate is an ionic compound with the chemical formula BaSO4. It's a solid crystalline powder at room temperature and doesn't dissolve well in water, although it can be used to prepare a suspension, where solid particles are dispersed throughout the water but do not dissolve. Barium sulfate suspensions are commonly used as contrast in diagnostic imaging procedures; unlike most barium compounds, barium sulfate suspensions are typically safe when ingested if prepared and administered properly.

Use in Imaging

• The gastrointestinal tract--the stomach and intestines--don't show up clearly on ordinary x-ray images. Barium sulfate is radiopaque, meaning that it absorbs x-ray radiation. Doctors typically administer a dose of barium sulfate suspension or "barium meal" either orally or through the rectum, via an enema, some hours prior to the procedure. Inside the gastrointestinal tract the barium sulfate absorbs the x-rays that would otherwise travel through the body, causing the GI tract to appear white on the film. This effect provides contrast between the GI tract and other structures so the doctor can detect abnormalities like ulcers or tumors.

Food and Drink

• Doctors will generally ask that you refrain from eating or drinking after midnight on the morning of the exam. While it's not actually dangerous to eat or drink prior to the x-ray scan, doing so can compromise the quality of the image and thus defeat the purpose of the procedure.

Toxicity and Side Effects

• Barium sulfate suspensions are generally safe and non-toxic at proper dose levels, partly because barium sulfate is highly insoluble (meaning it does not dissolve well in water). Barium sulfate can often, however, cause cramping or constipation. It's wise to drink lots of water after the test to minimize the risk of these side effects.

Extreme Reactions

• In certain rare cases, oral or rectal administration of barium sulfate can induce severe reactions like bloating, nausea, stomach pain and chest tightness. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should alert your doctor immediately.

Reactivity and Storage

• Barium sulfate is non-combustible; it can, however, release toxic gases if it's heated to extremely high temperatures. It's also unsafe to store barium sulfate together with potassium, phosphorus, aluminum or certain other reducing agents, since it can react violently with these other elements/compounds. Combining barium sulfate with aluminum in the presence of heat is especially unwise and can trigger an explosion.