A new method for studying barium sulphate contrast media in vitro. Some factors contributing to the visualization of areae gastricae.

We have developed a new method for quantifying the adsorption of contrast media in vitro onto the gastric mucosa, and the visibility of the areae gastricae objectively, using the pig's stomach. The method simulates the situation in vivo, it has a small intra-assay variability, and it can easily be repeated. We have compared the adsorption of the contrast media manufactured for double contrast examination, the visualization of areae gastricae and the influence of the density of the medium on these factors. It is important to obtain a thin layer of the medium on the surface of the mucosa, and this layer must be dense enough to absorb radiation well. These conditions were fulfilled by only one of the examined media.