WHAT IS RADIOGRAPHY/FLUOROSCOPY AND HOW DOES IT WORK? back to top
Radiography, known to most people as x-ray, is the oldest and most frequently
used form of medical imaging. For nearly a century, diagnostic images have been
created by passing small, highly controlled amounts of radiation through the human
body, capturing the resulting shadows and reflections on a photographic or digital
plate.
IS RADIOGRAPHY FOR EVERYONE? back to top
Most individuals can have a radiographic or fluoroscope procedure. However, care
must be considered for pregnant females. Women should always inform their doctor
and x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.
It is
very important that if you are pregnant or there is a possibility of pregnancy or
breast feeding that you inform your physician and the center personnel prior to your
X-ray procedure. Your physician, in conjunction with the radiologist, will determine
if the procedure is appropriate or whether another diagnostic procedure is
recommended. Special care is taken during x-ray examinations to ensure patient
safety by shielding the abdomen and pelvis w ith a lead apron, with the exception of
those examinations in which the abdomen and pelvis are being imaged.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE FLUOROSCOPY PROCEDURE?
- We request that you arrive 15-30 minutes prior to your scheduled procedure time to complete paperwork and to change clothes if necessary.
- Please bring the written prescription your physician gave you for this procedure.
- There are no special preparations required for most radiographic procedures. Once you arrive, you may be asked to change into a gown before your examination. You will also be asked to remove jewelry, eyeglasses, and any objects that could obscure the images, since those show up on x-rays and may interfere seeing the area of interest clearly.
- You should inform your physician or a center staff member if you are taking GLUCOPHAGE (METFORMIN) OR GLUCOVANCE (GLYBURIDE/METFORMIN) for a diabetic condition.
- We strongly encourage you to ask questions and discuss any concerns you may have prior to your procedure. We strongly believe that communication with our patients is an important part of the service we provide.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING THE RADIOGRAPHY PROCEDURE?
- You may be asked to change into a clinic gown and escorted to the Radiography/Fluoroscopy room.
- For radiographic procedures, a technologist will assist you on to the padded exam table or in a chair and a film cassette (plastic plate) is placed under the table or directly under the area of the body to be imaged. Sandbags, sponges, or pillows may be used to help hold you in the proper position.
- The technologist will exit the procedure room to an adjacent room and instruct you to hold very still without moving and/or breathing for a few seconds when the x-ray is taken.
- The technologist will reposition you for additional views, and the process is typically repeated multiple times.
- Our goal is to provide you with a pleasant and comfortable Fluoroscopy procedure. If you are uncomfortable in any way, please inform your technologist.
HOW LONG WILL THE RADIOGRAPHY PROCEDURE TAKE? back to top
Usually, a radiographic procedure takes less than 15 minutes and fluoroscopic procedures can take 30 minutes to three hours, depending on the type of procedure your having.
WHEN DO I GET MY RADIOGRAPHY RESULTS? back to top
Our certified technologist will prepare your x-ray images for the radiologist to evaluate. The radiologist will interpret your results and dictate a written report, which will be forwarded to your physician within 72 hours of completion of your procedure. Your physician will convey the results of the procedure to you.
