Barium sulfate suspensions: an evaluation of available products.

Commercially available barium sulfate suspensions were evaluated for suspension stability and coating characteristics important to the most commonly performed gastrointestinal examinations. Products tested included powders supplied in bulk, unit dose powders, and factory-prepared liquids. Results indicated considerable differences in suspension stability and coating properties among the products tested. Results also suggest that no single barium suspension currently available is likely to provide optimum performance during all of the more frequently performed studies.