Final answer:
A double contrast study is a medical imaging technique that involves using both positive and negative contrast media to enhance visualization. It provides optimum mucosal detail and avoids masking small abnormalities caused by large amounts of positive contrast media.
Step-by-step explanation:
A double contrast study, also known as a double contrast radiography, is a type of medical imaging technique that involves using both positive and negative contrast media to enhance the visualization of certain anatomical structures.
In this study, the positive contrast media, such as barium sulfate, coats the mucosal lining of the organ being examined, while the negative contrast media, usually air or gas, is introduced to create contrast and improve the visibility of the mucosal detail.
The purpose of using double contrast is to provide optimum mucosal detail and avoid masking small abnormalities that may be caused by large amounts of positive contrast media. By using a combination of positive and negative contrast, healthcare professionals can achieve a clearer and more detailed image, which can aid in the detection and diagnosis of certain conditions.
The student's question pertains to the effectiveness of double contrast studies in medical imaging. The answer to the student's question is A. True. A double contrast study is indeed effective in providing optimum mucosal detail and in preventing the masking of small abnormalities that could be obscured by using large amounts of positive contrast media. This method often employs a combination of air (negative contrast) and a barium sulfate suspension (positive contrast) which coats the intestinal tract and allows for greater visual detail than a traditional X-ray.