CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

What is injected into the cervix during a hysterosalpingogram?

1. Saline solution

2. Air contrast

3. Contrast material

4. Blood sample

The correct answer is: Contrast material

During a hysterosalpingogram (HSG), a radiologic procedure used to examine the shape of the uterine cavity and the patency (openness) of the fallopian tubes, a contrast material is injected into the cervix. This contrast agent is typically a water-soluble iodinated contrast, which allows for clear imaging during X-rays or fluoroscopy. The purpose of using contrast material is critical; it fills the uterine cavity and spills into the fallopian tubes if they are open, thereby revealing their structure and any potential blockages. This information is essential for diagnosing infertility or other uterine and reproductive system issues. Saline solution and air contrast are not typically used in HSG procedures, as HSG specifically requires a contrast agent to enhance the visibility of the structures on imaging. A blood sample has no relevance to this procedure, as the focus is solely on examining the reproductive anatomy through imaging techniques rather than analyzing blood composition or function.