What active ingredient is typically included as an ultrasound contrast agent?

The active ingredient typically included as an ultrasound contrast agent is microbubbles. Microbubbles are tiny gas-filled spheres that enhance the contrast of ultrasound images, allowing for better visualization of blood flow and vascular structures during echocardiography and other ultrasound exams. They operate by reflecting ultrasound waves, creating a stronger signal compared to surrounding tissues. This helps in differentiating between healthy and abnormal structures.

Microbubbles are particularly effective because they are designed to be stable in the bloodstream but are also easily broken down by ultrasound waves, which allows them to enhance images selectively. The use of microbubbles in ultrasound contrast agents represents an important advancement in diagnostic imaging, as they provide a non-invasive means to enhance the visibility of certain conditions, particularly in cardiac and vascular assessments.