Fluoroscopy

Reviewed

Fluoroscopy is a type of x-ray that shows organs, tissues, or other internal structures moving in real time.

Preparation and collection

Your preparation will depend on the type of fluoroscopy procedure. Your provider will let you know if you need to do any special preparations. For example, for certain procedures, you may be asked to fast (not eat or drink) for several hours before the test. You may also need to avoid certain medicines before the test, so tell your provider about everything you take. But don’t stop taking any medicines unless your provider tells you to.

Understanding this test

Use the reference interval and units printed by the laboratory that performed the test. A result outside that interval is not a diagnosis by itself, and a result inside it does not rule out every condition. Your symptoms, history, medicines, timing, and related tests can change what the result means.

  • Radiation exposure, though low, may accumulate over many procedures.
  • Allergic reactions to contrast dye are possible.
  • Results may require additional testing for a definitive diagnosis.

What to do next

Your provider may need to send your results to a specialist or do more tests to help make a diagnosis. If you have questions about your results, talk to your provider.

Evidence source

U.S. National Library of Medicine: Fluoroscopy

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