Fluoroscopy

What is Fluoroscopy?

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.

A contrast substance or dye may be given, depending on the type of procedure that is being done. You may get the contrast by swallowing it, as an enema, or in an IV (intravenous) line in your hand or arm. It's used to better visualize the organs or structures being studied.

Fluoroscopy may be used to evaluate specific areas of the body, such as the bones, bowel, muscles, heart vessels, and joints.

How to Prepare

The specific type of procedure or exam being done will determine whether you have to do any preparation before the procedure. Your healthcare provider will give you any pre-procedure instructions.