Barium Meals - Why Are They Useful?

The video explains how X-rays work and why they can't pass through bones due to radio opacity. It discusses how to obtain X-ray images of the gastrointestinal tract using a barium meal, a suspension of barium sulfate, which is radio opaque. The video also covers the properties of suspensions, using the example of sand in water, and explains why barium meals are safe despite barium's toxicity. Barium sulfate acts as a contrast agent, improving the visibility of the GI tract in X-ray images. The video concludes with a mention of iodine-based dyes used for angiograms.

What are the potential risks associated with barium compounds, and how does the body handle ingested barium meals?

Explain the significance of barium sulfate being insoluble in the context of medical imaging.