What is a fluoroscopy scan?
Fluoroscopy is a special type of x-ray that sends a continuous beam through parts of your body, creating a sequence of images displayed on a monitor - much like a short video. This allows radiologists to see organs, joints, and tissues in motion. Fluoroscopy is commonly used to:
- Examine the digestive tract (e.g., barium swallow, enema)
- Guide catheter insertions, lumbar punctures, and joint injections
- Assess bladder function (e.g., cystogram, urodynamics)
- Support orthopaedic and vascular procedures
- Assist with biopsies and other interventional procedures
Understanding your fluoroscopy procedure
Fluoroscopy provides real-time, moving images of the inside of your body, helping doctors diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions with precision and confidence. It is a versatile imaging technique used to study moving parts of the body, guide procedures, and assess organ function. Doctors may request a fluoroscopy scan to investigate symptoms, monitor known conditions, or guide treatment. Common reasons include:
- Difficulty swallowing or digestive issues
- Bladder or urinary tract problems
- Joint pain or injury
- Blood vessel assessment
- Guiding minimally invasive treatments.
Before your fluoroscopy scan
- Our booking team will advise you of any specific preparation required for your procedure. In most cases, you can eat and drink as usual and continue your regular medications.
- Please let us know if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have had a reaction to contrast dye or iodine previously.
- Bring your completed doctor’s referral form if it hasn’t already been sent to us.
- You may be asked to complete a contrast consent form and provide details of any relevant medical conditions.
On the day of your scan
- Check in with reception on arrival. We’ll confirm your details and ask you to complete any necessary forms.
- You may need to remove jewellery, glasses, belts, and other metal objects, and change into a gown.
- The radiologist or radiographer will explain the procedure, answer your questions, and obtain your consent before proceeding.
- Depending on the procedure, you may be asked to drink a special liquid, have an IV injection, or receive a local anaesthetic.
During your fluoroscopy scan
- You’ll lie on a padded table, and the technologist will help position you correctly.
- A continuous x-ray beam will be used to create moving images. For some procedures, a contrast dye may be introduced to highlight specific areas.
- You may need to stay very still and hold your breath briefly at times.
- The scan is usually painless, though some procedures may cause mild discomfort.
- The radiographer can communicate with you throughout the scan via intercom.
After your fluoroscopy scan
- Most patients can resume normal activities immediately after their scan.
- If you have received sedation, you will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours.
- We will provide facilities for you to clean up if a contrast agent was used.
- Your radiologist will review the images and send a detailed report to your referring doctor, who will discuss the results and next steps with you.