Winston-Salem Health Care

Fluoroscopy makes a moving x-ray picture of internal organs as a constant stream of X-rays passes through the patient. This casts shadows of internal organs onto a screen, but reveals less detail than a standard still X-ray. Since this procedure exposes the person to somewhat more radiation than a standard X-ray, doctors use it only when they need to see internal movement.

Fluoroscopy shows whether it moves properly.

• Observes the lungs and diaphragm to determine proper movement.
  Note: The diaphragm is the muscle between the chest and the abdomen that controls breathing.
• Shows various parts of the digestive tract.
• Barium swallow and enema tests are used.
• Contrast dyes allow view of the gall bladder, bile ducts and pancreas.
• May be used to guide the passage of catheters or other tools through the body.
• Additional testing inspects the enclosed space around the spinal column.

The room may be darkened, so the examiner can see the screen clearly. For many tests, fluoroscopy may be only a brief part of the overall procedure.

Pregnant women should not have fluoroscopy of the chest or abdomen. Healthcare providers now limit this test to the minimum amount of time needed to see the area being tested. Given these precautions, it is a relatively safe procedure.