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X-ray/Fluoroscopy

General Radiology refers to a variety of exams ordered by a physician that use radiographs (x-rays).  These exams use different types of radiographs to visualize the human body.  This allows physicians to have a better understanding of their patient’s anatomy, to diagnose disease and to provide treatment if necessary. Having x-rays done as soon as a problem arises can help in getting the treatment that you need.

What are General Radiograph (X-ray) Exams used for?

X-rays are an important tool in the diagnosis and treatment of a patient’s medical condition.  The actual x-ray image takes only a fraction of a second.

X-rays are used to visualize objects that we can not see with the naked eye.  For example, if a physician suspects you have a broken bone in your arm, we can take a radiograph of your arm and tell exactly where and how the bone is broken.

General X-rays are used for a variety of purposes.  They are used in your dentists’ office, during a clinic visit, by your family practice physician and also in the operating room.   

What should I expect during a General Radiograph (x-ray) exam?

There are hundreds of general radiology exams.  The process and preparation for each exam is different.  We will tell you what, if any, preparation is needed before your exam.

If you are coming in for a routine exam, for example a chest x-ray, you will need to change into a gown.  For women having a chest x-ray, they will need to remove any jewelry or garments that may obscure the radiograph. 

In general radiology, we usually do not schedule patients for exams.  The wait for a radiology exam is approximately 5-20 minutes. 

If you are having a fluoroscopic exam, you may need to prepare for the exam a few days in advance.  Fluroscopic exams can take anywhere from 10 minutes, to a few hours. 

What are some common X-ray exams?

A chest x-ray (radiograph) is commonly performed.  This is an exam of the chest that can show disease processes such as pneumonia, broken bones, or an enlarged heart.  It can also aid in the detection of cancer and other problems in the lungs.

Hip and Pelvis x-rays are commonly ordered by physicians.  This exam helps to evaluate for a fracture and/or check for dislocation. 

An “arthritis series” is a set of bilateral hand and foot x-rays used to diagnose or monitor the progression of arthritis.

Radiographs (X-rays) of the spine may be ordered after a car accident or fall.  Spine x-rays are also used to diagnose disease of the spinal bones, such as degenerative joint disease and scoliosis.  Patients with spinal problems often have follow-up x-rays to monitor their progress.

Fluroscopy is an exam performed via a continuous stream of x-rays.  If a regular x-ray is like a photograph, then fluoroscopy is like a x-ray video. 

A commonly requested exam is the Upper Gastrointestinal study.  This exam requires a patient to drink a thick, white liquid called Barium.  Using fluoroscopy imaging,  this Barium liquid is observed as it moves down the esophagus, into the stomach and then into the small intestine.  This exam may detect problems in the esophagus, stomach and intestine, such as an ulcer, narrowing of the esophagus, a blockages or growths.