About This Imaging Test
Fluoroscopy is a study of moving body structures. It’s much like an X-ray “movie” and is often done while a contrast dye moves through the part of the body being examined. A continuous X-ray beam is passed through the body part and sent to a video monitor so that the body part and its motion can be seen in detail. Fluoroscopy, as an imaging tool, allows healthcare providers to look at many body systems, including the skeletal, digestive, urinary, cardiovascular, respiratory, and reproductive systems.
Fluoroscopy may be used to evaluate specific areas of the body. These include the bones, muscles, and joints, as well as solid organs, such as the heart, lung, or kidneys.
How the Test is Performed
Fluoroscopy may be done on an outpatient basis or in a hospital. Procedures may vary depending on patient condition and healthcare provider’s practices.
Generally, fluoroscopy follows this process:
- Remove any clothing or jewelry that may get in the way of the body area to be examined. A bracelet with patient name and an identification number may be put on the wrist. patient may get a second bracelet if patient have allergies.
- If patient are asked to remove patient clothing, patient will be given a gown to wear.
- A contrast substance or dye may be given, depending on the type of procedure that is being done. Patient may get the contrast by swallowing it, as an enema, or in an intravenous (IV) line in patient hand or arm. It is used to better visualize the organs or structures being studied.
- Patient will be positioned on the X-ray table. Depending on the type of procedure, patient may be asked to move into different positions, move a certain body part, or hold patient breath for a short time while the fluoroscopy is being done.
- For procedures that require catheter insertion, such as cardiac catheterization or catheter placement into a joint or other body part, a needle may be put into the groin, elbow, or other site.
- A special X-ray scanner will be used to produce the fluoroscopic images of the body structure being examined or treated.
- In the case of arthrography (visualization of a joint), any fluid in the joint may be aspirated (removed with a needle and syringe) before the contrast dye is injected. After the contrast is injected, patient may be asked to move the joint for a few minutes in order to spread the contrast throughout the joint.
- The type of procedure being done and the body part being examined and/or treated will determine the length of the procedure.
- After the procedure has been completed, the IV line will be removed.
While fluoroscopy itself is not painful, the particular procedure being done may be painful, such as the injection into a joint or accessing of an artery or vein for angiography. In these cases, the radiologist will take all comfort measures possible, which could include local anesthesia (numbing drugs), conscious sedation (medicines to make patient sleepy), or general anesthesia (medicines to put patient into a deep sleep and not feel pain), depending on the particular procedure.
How to Prepare for the Test
Patient healthcare provider will explain the procedure to patient and give patient a chance to ask questions. Make a list of questions and any concerns to discuss with patient healthcare provider before the procedure. Consider bringing a family member or trusted friend to the medical appointment to help patient remember patient questions and concerns and to take notes.
Patient will be asked to sign a consent form that gives patient permission to do the procedure. Read the form carefully and ask questions if anything is not clear.
The specific type of procedure or exam being done will determine whether patient have to do any preparation before the procedure. Patient healthcare provider will give patient any pre-procedure instructions.
Be sure to tell patient healthcare provider, the radiologist, or the technologist if patient have ever had a reaction to any contrast dye, or if patient are allergic to iodine.
Tell patient healthcare provider if patient are pregnant or think patient may be.
Tell patient healthcare provider if patient are breastfeeding and ask if patient need to pump and save milk to use after the procedure.
Make sure patient healthcare provider has a list of all medicines (prescribed and over-the-counter) and all herbs, vitamins, and supplements that patient are taking.
Based on patient medical condition, patient healthcare provider may give patient other instructions on what to do before the procedure.
Before patient agree to the test or the procedure make sure patient know:
- The name of the test or procedure
- The reason patient are having the test or procedure
- What results to expect and what they mean
- The risks and benefits of the test or procedure
- What the possible side effects or complications are
- When and where patient are to have the test or procedure
- Who will do the test or procedure and what that person’s qualifications are
- What would happen if patient did not have the test or procedure
- Any alternative tests or procedures to think about
- When and how will patient get the results
- Who to call after the test or procedure if patient have questions or problems
- How much will patient have to pay for the test or procedure
What Happens After the Test
The type of care needed after the procedure will depend on the type of fluoroscopy that is done. Certain procedures, such as cardiac catheterization, will require a recovery period of several hours with immobilization of the leg or arm where the catheter was inserted. Other procedures may need less time for recovery.
If patient notice any pain, redness, and/or swelling at the IV site after patient go home, patient should tell patient healthcare provider as this may be a sign of infection or other type of reaction.
Patient healthcare provider will give more specific instructions related to patient care after the procedure.