Services performed at: Lennon Rd-Flint, Southgate
Fluoroscopy is an enhanced method of X-ray that uses fluorescent material to increase the capability of X-rays to produce real-time, in-motion images of the inside of the body and its organs as they function during an examination. The patient is placed between the X-ray device and a fluorescent screen, which enables the X-ray to image tissues and organs inside the body, other than bones, in much greater detail than conventional X-rays.
Common purposes for which your physician may order a fluoroscopic study include examinations of the digestive system, known as “Upper GI” (gastrointestinal) or “Lower GI” series. Fluoroscopy may also be used during interventional radiology procedures, for purposes such as monitoring or guiding instruments used during diagnosis or treatment.
Since fluoroscopy is now one of several methods that provide real-time, in-motion images (ultrasound, computed tomography, and nuclear medicine, for example), some of which do not use radiation or electromagnetic energy, your physician’s choice of imaging method will depend on factors such as the purpose of the examination and your medical history.
Preparing for Fluoroscopy
To enable RMI to perform this exam satisfactorily, we ask that you follow the preparation instructions below that match your needs:
Upper GI Series / Esophagram
- Nothing to eat or drink after 10:00 p.m. the night prior to the exam.
- Do not eat or drink anything until after your exam has been completed.
- Necessary medications may be taken at least two hours prior to study with minimal sips of water.
Small Bowel Series
- Nothing to eat or drink after 10:00 p.m. the night prior to the exam.
- Do not eat or drink anything until after your exam has been completed.
- Necessary meds may be taken at least two hours prior to study with minimal sips of water.
- This study may take several hours depending on your metabolism. Please plan accordingly.
Barium Enema
- Please click here to read and/or download the patient preparation instructions.
- After reading, if you have questions about the preparation, please call our nurse at 810-720-7567.
Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)
- Eat a light lunch the day before your exam. You may have clear liquids only for dinner and only water after dinner.
- Drink a large glass of water at 2:00, 4:00, 8:00, and 11:00 pm.
- At 7:00 PM drink one 10 ounce bottle of magnesium citrate (drink cold)
- Nothing to eat or drink after midnight including gum or hard candy
Sialograms
- No prep is needed
- Suck on lemon drops OR candy the day of and prior to the exam
Myelograms
- Make sure you are off any blood thinners for 5 days prior to the exam.
- You must have a driver on the day of the exam to transport you.
Hysterosalpingograms
- Make sure to schedule your exam for 10 or 11 days after the first day of your last period.
- Refrain from any sexual intercourse from the first day of your menstrual cycle until after your exam.
- Notify RMI staff if you have any allergies to latex or contrast.
- You may take ibuprofen prior to the exam to help ease any potential discomfort of the exam.
Voiding Cystourethrograms (VCUG)
- No preparation is necessary.
Updated 3-2021
