X-Ray & Fluoroscopy
X-ray is one of the oldest and most frequently used forms of medical imaging. X-rays are a quick and safe way to produce images of the inside of your body and are commonly used to evaluate the heart, lungs, bones, skull and spine.
X-Ray with Fluoroscopy (Fluoro)?
In fluoroscopy a live x-ray beam passes through the body and a sequence of images is produced in an "x-ray movie". Fluoroscopy is used to evaluate movement within certain structures in the body. X-ray with fluoroscopy requires the use of a contrast agent to highlight the part of the body your doctor needs information about. The contrast agent is given to the patient by mouth, injection or in some cases, in an enema. The contrast agent may be given before or during your x-ray.
Fluoroscopy is frequently used to look at the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine and large intestine, also called the colon. As the contrast moves through the body the radiologist or technologist is able to observe this movement on a computer monitor in the exam room.
Types of Fluoroscopic Exams
- Esophagram/Barium Swallow
- Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI) Series
- Small Bowel Series
- Barium Enema
- Speech Therapy Esophagrams (OPMS)
- Voiding Cystourethrogram
- Cystogram
- Fistula Sinogram
- Sialogram
- Loopogram
- Lumbar Puncture and Myelogram
- Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
How Will You Learn About Your Results?
The technologist will not give you the test results directly, as the images still need to be reviewed by a radiologist. After reviewing the study, the radiologist will send an official report to your physician, who can then discuss the results with you.
