What is indirect contrast media typically used in?

Indirect contrast media is primarily used in ultrasound examinations due to its ability to enhance visibility of structures and fluids within the body. Unlike direct contrast agents, which contain iodine or barium and are used in imaging techniques like X-ray or CT scans, indirect contrast agents usually include substances like microbubbles that improve the echogenicity (the ability to reflect ultrasound waves) of certain tissues. This enhancement allows for better differentiation and visualization of vascular structures and lesions, making it particularly valuable in ultrasound.

In medical imaging, appropriate contrast media selection is crucial, as it directly influences the quality of the images produced and the accuracy of diagnoses. While other imaging modalities such as MRI, X-ray, and CT utilize other forms of contrast agents, they generally do not rely on indirect contrast media in the same way that ultrasound does.