Fluoroscopy is a medical imaging procedure that uses several pulses (brief bursts) of an X-ray beam to show internal organs and tissues moving in real time on a computer screen. Standard X-rays are like photographs, whereas fluoroscopy is like a video.
Fluoroscopy procedures include, barium swallows, arthrograms, cystograms, hysterosalpingograms, etc. These exams are preformed between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays only. All fluoroscopy exams require a requisition from a physician in order for the exam to be booked. To book, have your physician fax the requisition to Cambridge Memorial Hospital Diagnostic Imaging Department or call (519) 621- 2333 ext. 2231.
Preparation will depend on the type of fluoroscopy procedure and why you are getting it. Some procedures do not require any special preparations. For those that do, your care provider will let you know if you need to do any special preparations (e.g., some may have you avoid certain medications and/or fast (not eat or drink anything except water) for several hours before the imaging procedure).
- If there is a chance you are pregnant, it is important to let your care provider know. Radiation from fluoroscopy can be harmful to a developing fetus. Please note that all female patients aged 10-55 will be asked if there is a chance of pregnancy.
- If your fluoroscopy procedure involves contrast dye, please advise your care provider if you have any allergies or have had issues with contrast dyes in the past.
Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment. If you are late, your appointment may be rescheduled. We do our best to stay on time, if there is a delay, you will be notified. Upon arrival to the hospital, please proceed to Wing A, Level 1, Hallway #4 (Diagnostic Registration) for your test. After registering, you will be sent to the appropriate waiting room where you will wait for the technologist for further instruction.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing as you may be asked to change into a hospital gown.
Your fluoroscopy may include some or most of the following steps:
- You may need to remove any clothing and/or jewelry that may interfere with the procedure such as zippers, buttons, or piercings. If you need to remove clothing, you will be given a hospital gown.
- You may require a contrast dye depending on the procedure. It is a safe substance that makes a part of your body show up more clearly during a fluoroscopy procedure.
- You will be asked to lie down or stand on the x-ray table. Depending on the type of procedure, you may be asked to move your body into different positions or move a certain body part. They may also ask you to hold your breath for a brief period of time.
The radiologist will use the fluoroscopy unit to create short bursts of radiation, which can be viewed on a computer screen.
Note that some barium studies will require a double-contrast upper GI series. If you require this, you will be asked to swallow baking-soda crystals that create gas in the stomach while additional scans are taken.
A report will be sent to your physician within a week. Please follow up with your physician for results. You can access your images online by visiting the Diagnostic Imaging Screening & Services homepage for further instructions on how to do so.
Barium Swallow (Upper GI)
A barium swallow is a fluoroscopy imaging test that checks for problems in your upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which includes your mouth, back of the throat, esophagus, stomach and the first part of your small intestine. The test involves drinking a chalky-tasting liquid that contains barium, a safe substance that makes parts of your body show up more clearly on X-ray imaging. These tests can help diagnose esophageal disorders, ulcers, hiatal hernias, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), structural problems in the GI tract and tumours.
Barium Enema
A barium enema, which is also called lower gastrointestinal tract radiography, is a fluoroscopy imaging test that checks for problems in your colon and rectum (parts of your large intestine). A healthcare provider pours a safe liquid containing barium through a tube inserted into your anus. This liquid coats the inside of the large intestine and clearly shows its outline on X-ray imaging. This test can help diagnose inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis), diverticulosis, colon cancer, polyps, and colonic volvulus (abnormal twisting of the bowel).
Arthrogram
An arthrogram is a test that helps healthcare providers diagnose joint issues like hip or shoulder pain. These tests can show ligament, tendon and cartilage conditions in clear detail. An arthrogram involves injecting a contrast material directly into your joint before taking an X-ray, CT scan, MRI, ultrasound or another type of imaging test.
Cystogram
Cystography is an imaging test that can use fluoroscopy to help diagnose problems in your bladder. During cystography, a healthcare provider inserts a thin tube called a urinary catheter into your urethra and injects contrast dye into your bladder. This dye helps parts of your bladder show up more clearly on X-ray imaging. This test can help your provider study your bladder emptying while you’re urinating (peeing). This is called a voiding cystography. It can help show how well your bladder empties during urination and whether any urine backs up into your kidneys (vesicoureteral reflux).
Hysterosalpingogram
In this procedure, a provider uses fluoroscopy to provide images of biologically female reproductive organs. It can help diagnose certain causes of infertility.
Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Studies (VFSS)
This test helps a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) see what happens in your mouth and throat when you swallow. The VFSS lets the SLP see:
- if food goes into your airway instead of your stomach, called aspiration
- which parts of your mouth and throat may not work well
- what kinds of food are safest for you to swallow
- if certain positions or strategies help you swallow better