Final answer:
Low-osmolality ionic Radiocontrast Media (ROCM) are medical imaging agents that enhance visibility of internal structures and are associated with fewer adverse reactions than high-osmolality contrast media. They are used in various imaging procedures and provide improved patient comfort.
Step-by-step explanation:
The newer low-osmolality ionic Radiocontrast Media (ROCM) are contrast agents used in medical imaging to enhance the visibility of internal structures in radiographic procedures. They are classified by their osmolality, which is a measure of the number of particles in a solution. Low-osmolality ionic ROCM have fewer particles per kilogram of water and therefore exert less pressure across cell membranes. This characteristic makes them less likely to cause adverse reactions in patients compared to high-osmolality contrast media. They are commonly used in procedures such as angiography, urography, and computed tomography (CT) scans. Patients generally experience fewer instances of nausea, vomiting, and warmth or pain at the injection site with low-osmolality contrast agents.