WHAT IS FLUOROSCOPY?
Fluoroscopy makes a moving x-ray picture of internal organs. A constant stream of x-rays passes through the patient. This casts shadows of internal organs onto a screen. It is used when doctors need to see internal movement.
WHAT IS FLUOROSCOPY USED FOR?
For many tests, fluoroscopy may be only a brief part of the overall procedure. One use of fluoroscopy is to observe swallowing and the digestive tract. The diaphragm, the muscle between the chest and the abdomen which controls breathing, is sometimes studied using fluoroscopy. Fluoroscopy shows whether it moves properly. Barium swallow, upper GI, barium enema, and pain injections all use fluoroscopy.
Frequently fluoroscopy is used to aide in needle placement into joints for administration of local anesthesia or contrast. Finally, it may be used to guide the passage of catheters or other tools through the body.
WHERE IS FLUOROSCOPY OFFERED?
Radiology Associates of Ocala offers fluoroscopy at two convenient locations: Medical Imaging Center and TimberRidge Imaging Center.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Each fluoroscopy exam differs depending on the area being studied and the type of contrast agent that is used. A dye or contrast substance may be injected into an area of interest such, as a joint, in order to better visualize the structure being studied. The procedure room may be darkened, so the technologist or radiologist can see the screen clearly while the fluoroscopy is used.
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