Agitated saline contrast test
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An agitated saline contrast test (ASCT, ASC, or AST), also agitated saline contrast study, agitated saline bubble study, agitated saline bubble test, bubble study, or bubble test, is a technique used to obtain additional information from an echocardiogram.
The technique uses a saline solution (salt water) which is agitated by mixing it back and forth quickly between two syringes. This creates very small bubbles in the saline which, when injected intravenously into the arm, can be seen as they pass through the heart's chambers. These bubbles can be followed in the heart ultrasonically, creating an echocardiogram, to determine if any bubbles do not follow the normal blood flow pathways.[1]
[edit] References
- ^ Cardiodiagnostics of Colorado Springs. "What is a Bubble Study?". http://www.cardiocares.com/Public%20Pages/Testing/bubble_study.htm. Retrieved 4 November 2009.
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