Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy uses a continuous low dose X-ray beam to produce images of organs and bones in real time. During this procedure, the Radiologist typically uses contrast material to highlight the area being examined. The contrast material (dye or oral suspension) can be injected, taken orally, or be administered as an enema depending on the type of exam.
How to Prepare for the Fluoroscopic Exam
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment. If you may be pregnant or are breastfeeding, please notify our staff. At that time instructions will be given to you to follow, based on the type of Fluoroscopy Exam you are having.
Instructions for GI/Small Bowel Exams
Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before your exam. You may brush your teeth, but avoid swallowing any water.
Instructions for Barium Enema
Please follow the instructions to prep for your Barium Enema:
Between 2:00-4:00pm the day prior to the exam, you will take 4 ducolax pills that you will purchase at the pharmacy over the counter. In addition, you will mix 237 grams of Miralax powder with 64 ounces of Gatorade. You will drink the Miralax mixture between 5:00-6:00pm the evening prior to the exam.
Diet: The day prior to the day of the exam, you will eat a light breakfast only. Following breakfast you will drink clear liquids only until midnight. After midnight do not eat or drink anything.
Instructions for HSG
A staff member from our office will contact you with pre-exam interview questions before the day of the exam.
This exam must be scheduled on the 7th through the 12th day after the onset of the patient’s menstruation. No unprotected sexual intercourse beginning on day 1 of her cycle until the exam is completed.
Instructions for IVP
A staff member from our office will contact you with pre-exam interview questions before the day of the exam.
On the afternoon prior to the day of your exam, you will take 2 ½ ounces of Milk of Magnesia between 4pm and 6pm. You will not eat or drink anything after midnight or for at least 8 hours prior to the exam time.
Instructions for Arthrogram Joint Exams (shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle)
A staff member from our office will contact you with pre-exam interview questions 3-5 days before the exam.
The following instructions will be given at that time: If you are scheduled for an Arthrogram Fluoroscopy exam and are taking Coumadin (a blood thinning medication), arrange with your primary physician’s permission to stop taking the medication 3 days before your appointment. If you are taking aspirin or other NSAIDS (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like Motrin, Aleve, or Naprosyn, stop taking 3 days before your appointment, with your primary care physician’s approval.
What to Expect the Day of the Exam
A technologist will take you to the exam room and explain what you can expect during the Fluoroscopy exam.
Depending on what body part is being examined, you may need to remove some of your clothing and change into a gown. You will be asked to remove any metal (including necklaces and body piercings) from the part of your body being examined. Once the exam is completed you can leave. You will be given post exam instructions to follow.
The Radiologist will review your Exam and will send the results to your physician. Urgent findings will be called or faxed to your physician.