Fluoroscopic Screening

Fluoroscopic screening is a specialised type of x-ray imaging procedure used to produce 2D moving images of internal parts of the body.

An x-ray is a safe and simple procedure used to develop an internal image of the body. Radiation passes through the body creating a residual image. Denser areas of the body, like bones, appear white, while the softer organs and tissues are much darker.

What is fluoroscopic screening?

Typically, during a fluoroscopic screening a liquid contrast medium like barium or iodine is used to highlight specific, less dense areas, such as blood vessels and organs. X-rays are then passed through the body to capture live, 2D images, which can be recorded and examined.

The contrast medium may need to be ingested, injected or inserted via an enema depending on which area of the body is being tested.

What part of the anatomy is examined during a fluoroscopic screening?

Doctors use Fluoroscopic screening to check the condition of the:

Heart
Blood vessels
Oesophagus, stomach and bowel
Digestive tract
Kidneys and bladder
Other internal organs

What Conditions can be diagnosed by Fluoroscopic Screening?

Fluoroscopic screening can be used by doctors to help diagnose conditions associated with:

Swallowing difficulties
Blood flow problems (i.e. blockages, clots and swelling)
Digestive tract issues
Spinal lesions
Infection and swelling in the joints
Tumours and other abnormalities

Fluoroscopic screening is also used by doctors as a guide during:

Catheter insertion
Lumbar punctures
Guided injections
Surgical procedures to find foreign bodies

Why is Fluoroscopic Screening required?

Fluoroscopic screening allows doctors and radiographers to examine soft tissue, internal organs and blood vessels without the need for invasive surgery.

Fluoroscopic screening can also be used by doctors as a guiding technique for other types of procedures.

What are the risks and complications of a Fluoroscopic Screening?

A risk commonly associated with x-rays is radiation exposure, which can lead to cancer. However, patients are typically only exposed to a few seconds of low level radiation in a localised area.

Digital x-rays use less radiation, lowering the probability of any negative side effects.

On rare occasions patients may suffer from a severe reaction to the contrast medium and experience:

Low blood pressure
Anaphylactic shock
Cardiac Arrest

About the Equipment

What are the equipment specifications for Fluoroscopic Screening?

The following equipment is used during a typical fluoroscopic screening procedure:

Fluoroscopy machine
TV-like monitor
IV

What are the benefits of Fluoroscopic Screening?

Fluoroscopic screening produces live images of internal parts of the body, instead of just still images. This means doctors can monitor and examine how organs and blood vessels are functioning.

Screening also allows doctors to conduct other medical and surgical procedures more efficiently. For example, ensuring injections are precisely administered.

Are there any alternatives to fluoroscopic screening?

Doctors can also use CT scans, MRIs and ultrasounds to examine and produce images of internal parts of the body.

Preparation for Fluoroscopic Screening

The preparation required for fluoroscopic screening will depend on the type of procedure you will be undergoing.

Your doctor and/or the specialist will provide you with more detailed information and instructions before the day of the procedure.

Is a special diet required before Fluoroscopic Screening?

Your radiologist may ask you to abstain from food or drink for up to 12 hours before the procedure, especially if an anaesthetic is needed.

Prior to the x-ray, your radiologist will inform you if a contrast medium is necessary and will explain how it will be administered.

What should a Patient Tell the Radiographer Before Fluoroscopic Screening?

You should alert your radiographer if you have had any previous reactions to radiation, contrast mediums, or other drugs. Your radiographer will also need to know if you are (or think you might be) pregnant, or if you suffer from any renal impairments.

What should you bring to Fluoroscopic Screening?

Your doctor may ask you to bring along any previous x-ray images you have for comparison. Everything else needed will be supplied by the radiographer.

What should you wear for Fluoroscopic Screening?

You will be asked to remove any clothing obstructing the area to be x-rayed and given a medical gown to wear instead, so you should try and wear something that is comfortable and easy to remove.

You will also need to remove any metallic items, such as jewellery, watches, eyewear and belts, as these items can show up on the x-ray.

How long does fluoroscopic screening take?

A fluoroscopic screening can take between 10 minutes and 2 hours to complete depending on the complexity of the procedure.

When you book your appointment you will be given an estimate of how long the screening will take.

Fluoroscopic Screening Procedure Description

Fluoroscopic screening can be used for diagnostic purposes and as an aid for more complex medical procedures.

Your doctor and/or the specialist will provide you with more detailed information and instructions before the day of the procedure.

What does fluoroscopic screening involve?

The fluoroscopic screening procedure will vary depending on the reasons for the test and the area of the body being examined.

For example, your doctor may:

Take a number of x-rays which capture the specific areas highlighted a contrast medium
Use the images captured on a monitor to as a guide during a surgical procedure

What is the procedure for fluoroscopic screening?

The patient will be asked to stand in front of or lie down on the fluoroscopy table, depending on the procedure being performed.

The barium or non-ionic contrast is then administered and the radiologist or radiographer monitors the progress of the dye through the area being examined in real time, taking images were appropriate.

The patient may need to change position at certain times to demonstrate the organ being examined from a different view.

Post fluoroscopic screening instructions

What are the recovery details for fluoroscopic screening?

A majority of patients experience no side-effects after fluoroscopic screening and will be able to return home and participate in normal activities straight away.