Contrast Media

Guerbet specialises in the discovery and manufacture of contrast agents for medical imaging.

These products are administered when patients undergo examinations by X-ray (certain radiographic examinations, CT scans) or by MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). Using contrast agents can help to differentiate between structures and fluids enabling better visualisation.

Contrast agents are drugs that are generally administered directly into veins, arteries or joints or orally. They are used to visualize organs such as the brain, kidneys, liver, blood vessels and stomach and any abnormalities affecting them.

Contrast agents can be split into four main categories:

For X-ray procedures

• Iodinated contrast agents for most examinations.
• Barium sulphate for examinations of the digestive tract.

For Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

• Gadolinium complexes for most examinations
• Iron nanoparticles for examinations of the digestive system and any abnormalities affecting them, plus liver specific MRI.