X-RAY

What is an X-ray?

An X-ray is the artificial production of radiation in a diagnostic range (150 KV or less) that results in an image of the specified area of interest.

How do I prepare?

Most simple X-rays require no preparation (for example: hand, wrist or spine exams). More complex exams, such as upper or lower GIs, IVPs or myelograms have preparations specific to the exam.

What should I expect during the exam?

Most X-rays will require you to hold very still and possibly hold your breath for a few seconds. Depending on the type of exam, you may be standing up, lying down, sitting or all of the above.

What do I do after the exam?

Most simple X-rays will take only a few minutes. Depending on the complexity of your exam and your physiology these exams can take anywhere between 15 minutes to several hours. You will be given specific instructions when scheduling your exam.

Fluoroscopy

What is fluoroscopy?

Fluoroscopy is a study of moving body structures - similar to an x-ray "movie." A continuous x-ray beam is passed through the body part being examined, and is transmitted to a TV-like monitor so that the body part and its motion can be seen in detail.

Fluoroscopy is used in many types of examinations and procedures, such as barium x-rays, cardiac catheterization, and placement of intravenous (IV) catheters (hollow tubes inserted into veins or arteries). In barium x-rays fluoroscopy allows the physician to see the movement of the intestines as the barium moves through them. In Myelograms fluoroscopy assists the physician in guiding the needle into a specific location inside your spine.

How is fluoroscopy performed?

Fluoroscopy may be part of an examination or procedure that is done on either an outpatient or inpatient basis. The specific type of procedure or examination being done will determine whether any preparation prior to the procedure is required.  Your physician should notify you of any pre-procedure instructions. 

Although each hospital may have specific protocols in place and specific examinations and procedures may differ, fluoroscopy procedures generally follow this process:

The patient is positioned on the x-ray table. 

A special x-ray scanner is used to produce the fluoroscopic images of the body structure being examined or treated.

A dye or contrast substance may be injected into the IV line, or your joint, or your spinal column in order to better visualize the structure being studied.

The type of care required after the procedure will depend on the type of procedure done. The physician will give more specific instructions related to care after the examination or procedure.