Radiography / Fluoroscopy
Questions and Answers
• What exactly is fluoroscopy?
• Why is it important that Philips technology
is being used for my exam?
• What makes fluoroscopy different from
a regular X-ray?
• Why is X-ray important?
• What is fluoroscopy used for?
• What do I need to do to prepare for a
fluoroscopy exam?
• How much radiation will I be exposed to?
• How is the procedure performed?
• Who interprets the results and how
do I get them?
What exactly is fluoroscopy?
Radiological images are created by passing small, highly controlled amounts of radiation through the body and capturing the resulting shadows and reflections on film. Most people are familiar with X-ray images, which produce still pictures. Fluoroscopy uses X-rays to capture moving images of an organ while it is functioning.
Many of your basic questions about fluoroscopy are answered here. Consult your physician with specific questions about your exam.
Why is it important that Philips technology is being used for my exam?
Our Philips Eleva system uses a digital Flat Detector that helps to acquire exceptionally clear images to help physicians make the most confident diagnosis. And, with the built-in Philips DoseWise technology, patients are exposed to the lowest amount of radiation possible. This is especially important for pediatric patients.
What makes fluoroscopy different from a regular X-ray?
X-ray images are still images. Fluoroscopy is a study of moving body structures – think of 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.
Why is X-ray important?
X-rays allow physicians to see images of your bones and internal organs within seconds. This gives them information more quickly, and in many cases more economically, than other tests and exploratory procedures.
What is fluoroscopy used for?
Fluoroscopy is used in many types of examinations and procedures when the physician needs to visualize motion inside your body.
One common application is an upper gastrointestinal (GI) series or simply an upper GI, which allows the physician to see movement of the intestines. Upper gastrointestinal tract radiography is an X-ray examination of the esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine. In order for the anatomy to show up on radiographic images, the upper gastrointestinal tract must be coated or filled with a contrast material called barium, an element that appears bright white on the images. The barium is given to the patient to drink prior to the exam.
Additionally, some patients are asked to swallow baking-soda crystals to create gas and further improve the images; this procedure has the modified name of air-contrast or double-contrast upper GI.
In cardiac medicine, fluoroscopy enables the physician to see the flow of blood through the coronary arteries.
Be sure to ask your physician specifically what type of exam he/she has recommended for you.
What do I need to do to prepare for a fluoroscopy exam?
Fluoroscopy may be part of an examination or procedure that is done on either an outpatient or inpatient basis. The specific type of procedure being done will determine whether any special preparation is required. For some exams you should not eat or drink anything for a certain amount of time before your appointment. Your physician will notify you of any pre-procedure instructions.
How much radiation will I be exposed to?
Thanks to our state-of-the-art Philips imaging system, the patient will be exposed to very little radiation. The Philips DoseWise principle incorporates the following advantages over other systems:
- DoseWise means that the X-ray beam is "smart;" it automatically selects the right dose according to examination performed and patient specifics.
- DoseWise accelerates the exam process but does not compromise image quality, so your physician receives the most diagnostic information possible for a fast, accurate exam.
- DoseWise gives the clinician real-time information on dose levels with convenient controls to adjust them.
How is the procedure performed?
Patients must remove their clothing and most medical centers will give the patient a loose fitting gown to wear. Most X-rays are taken when you are lying on the X-ray table but some examinations are performed while you are standing. For a fluoroscopy exam, you may drink a contrast medium liquid called barium that shows up on the X-ray and allows the technologist to see the liquid's movement. In other examinations you will receive an injection with contrast medium to show the movement through your veins. Images are ready within seconds and the technologist may make an accurate diagnosis very quickly.
Who interprets the results and how do I get them?
Usually a radiologist-a physician experienced in GI studies and other radiology examinations-will analyze the images and send a signed report with his or her interpretation to your primary care or referring physician. New technology also allows for distribution of diagnostic reports and referral images over the Internet at many facilities.
- June 2007
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