LOCM

Abbreviation for low osmolar contrast medium.

medium

(me'de-um) ('de-a) plural.media1. An agent through which an effect is obtained.2. A substance used for the cultivation of microorganisms or cellular tissue. See: culture medium3. A substance through which impulses are transmitted.

Amies transport medium

See: Amies transport medium

BG medium

Bordet-Gengou medium.

clearing medium

A substance that renders histological specimens transparent.

contrast medium

In radiology, a substance used to fill hollow organs or blood vessels to highlight their internal structure or distinguish them from neighboring anatomical features. The substance can be radiopaque and positive (such as barium sulfate, tri-iodinated media) or radiolucent and negative (such as air). Barium sulfate is a commonly used contrast agent for the gastrointestinal tract; it may be swallowed (for upper GI studies) or given as an enema (to visualize the colon). Synonym: radiocontrast

culture medium

A substance on which microorganisms may grow. Those most commonly used are broths, gelatin, and agar, which contain the same basic ingredients.

defined medium

In bacteriology, a medium in which the composition is accurately defined and carefully controlled. One use of this culture medium is to investigate the influence of altering ingredients on bacterial cell growth characteristics.

dispersion medium

A liquid in which a colloid is dispersed.

high-osmolarity contrast medium

Abbreviation: HOCM
A water-soluble contrast medium with high osmolarity. These agents increase the probability of an adverse reaction and are generally ionic.

low-osmolarity contrast medium

Abbreviation: LOCM
A water-soluble contrast medium with low osmolarity. These agents produce fewer undesired effects after intravascular administration than do high-osmolarity contrast media. They are generally nonionic, with the exception of Hexabrix (an ionic dimer).

nonionic contrast medium

A water-soluble contrast medium whose molecules do not dissociate into cations and anions in solution. These agents tend to have low osmolarity. They decrease the risk of adverse reactions but are costly.

nutrient medium

A fortified culture medium with added nutrient materials.

radiolucent medium

A substance injected into an anatomical structure to decrease the density, producing a dark area on the radiograph.

radiopaque medium

A substance injected into a cavity or region or passed through the gastrointestinal tract to increase x-ray absorption, producing an image with enhanced contrast between solid and hollow structures.

refracting medium

The fluids and transparent tissues of the eye that refract light rays passing through them toward the retina: the cornea, aqueous humor, lens, and vitreous humor.

separating medium

In dentistry, a substance applied to the surface of an impression or mold to prevent interaction of the materials and to facilitate their separation after casting.

Thayer-Martin medium

See: Thayer-Martin medium

transport medium

A nutrient solution used to maintain the freshness or viability of patient specimens as they are being carried to the laboratory for culture.

tri-iodinated contrast medium

A derivative of tri-iodobenzoic acid that is the base for water-soluble contrast media. It contains three atoms of iodine per molecule.

viral transport medium

Abbreviation: VTM
A nutrient substance (usually a buffered liquid) used to carry and maintain the viability of specimens to a microbiology laboratory for identification and analysis of disease-producing viruses.