<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

I received many messages of outrage over the barium story. It is true,
there is no company in the US that makes it without the wheat or
sorbitol. Some said to take it and suffer the consequences if you needed
the test so badly. Others said, "No way, don't take the test.".  Well,
after a whole day of sitting on pins and needles the radiologist's girl,
armed with the knowledge I gave her, finally returned my call. The
radiologist agreed to do it without the barium. He felt the plain barium
sulfate USP would be a waste of time. I am also having it done without
IV contrast as I am allergic to shell fish. I have had ct scans every
six months for 6 yrs now without it and the thoracic surgeon has been
satisfied. I know you can't see lymph nodes without contrast, but this
will have to suffice.  Sometimes you have to do the best you can with
what you have.

If anyone wants to get the plain barium sulfate USP, you can call Stokes
Pharmacy or Spectrum Chemical Mfg. Corp at 1-800-772-8796 in the US. For
Canadian members, you can get it at EZ PAQUE  1-800-544-4624.

Sorry the information could not have a more positive note. Thanks to
those who replied.  Rosalie  (NJ)