OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence of ionizing radiation from x-rays and gamma rays on the molecular structure stability of several radiologic contrast media employed in diagnostic imaging by means of ¹H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight different types of iodinated contrast media (three ionic and five non-ionic) were exposed to x-rays and gamma rays irradiation. Subsequently, the ¹H and 13C{¹H} nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of these contrast media were collected. RESULTS: The ¹H and 13C{¹H} nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of both ionic and non-ionic contrast media irradiated by x-rays or gamma rays demonstrated the absence of any alteration of the contrast media chemical composition. CONCLUSION: There is no problem in keeping contrast media inside examination rooms or close to radiological equipment. It is important to mention that, during the tests, the samples were directly irradiated, while in a radiology examination room, the irradiation is not direct and, therefore, radiation levels in these cases are much lower than those employed in the present study.

Keywords: Imaging diagnosis, Contrast media, Ionizing radiation, Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, X-rays, Gamma rays