Smoothie Readi-Cat 2 Barium Sulfate Contrast Suspension

Before a CT scan of the abdomen or pelvis, patients often need to drink an oral contrast that makes the digestive tract clearly visible to the radiologist. Smoothie Readi-Cat 2 is a ready-to-drink barium sulfate suspension formulated at a 2.0% w/v concentration — the same low-density formula radiology departments rely on for consistent bowel opacification, offered in a smoothie-style flavor profile intended to make the drink easier for patients to finish.

The appeal of a smoothie-flavored contrast is practical, not cosmetic. Patients who are already anxious about a scan, or who feel nauseated, are more likely to complete the full volume when the taste is tolerable — and a fully consumed dose means better image quality and fewer repeat studies. These suspensions arrive premixed and shakeable, so there's no powder to reconstitute; staff simply shake the bottle and hand it to the patient at the timed interval before imaging.

A few things buyers commonly weigh when stocking this product. Barium sulfate is not systemically absorbed, which is why it's the standard oral contrast for routine CT rather than iodinated agents in most GI imaging protocols. Dosing typically involves one or more bottles taken over a set window before the exam, per the radiologist's protocol. And because flavor drives compliance, many departments keep more than one flavor on hand to match patient preference across a busy schedule.

If you're comparing options, the standard-flavor formulation is available in our Readi-Cat-2 collection — same barium concentration, different taste. Stocking both lets your radiology or imaging team offer patients a choice and keep contrast completion rates high.