X-ray & Fluoroscopy
X-ray
X-ray, also known as radiography, is the oldest and still most commonly ordered diagnostic imaging exam.
These images are often the only imaging used to diagnose broken bones, arthritis, joint instability and soft tissue calcification. They are also used as the first line imaging because of their low cost and the ability to obtain them quickly.
X-ray involves exposing a specific part of the body to a small dose of high-energy photons to produce an image of the internal organs and bones.
Is it safe to have an x-ray?
X-rays are generally safe for most adults. If you are pregnant or believe you could be pregnant, be sure to tell your doctor before the procedure as x-rays are unsafe for the fetus.
If you have questions about radiation exposure during an x-ray, visit the RadiologyInfo.org website.
EvergreenHealth's digital radiography completes the imaging faster than traditional film radiography and requires fewer repeats, which lowers your exposure to unnecessary radiation.
How to prepare for your x-ray
There is no preparation needed for the majority of X-ray exams.
Most x-rays do not require an appointment. You can walk-in to our imaging centers during normal business hours and obtain the x-ray your provider has ordered.
Fluoroscopy
Where an x-ray provides a still image, a fluoroscopy creates a real time moving image, like an x-ray movie. This allows the doctors to see your internal structure and functions. It can follow the pumping action of your heart, and monitor your swallowing.
Fluoroscopy Preparation Instructions
Locate your test below, and follow the preparation instructions.
Test: Arthrogram
Test: Barium Enema/Lower GI
Prep: LoSo prep kit (bowel evacuation kit including magnesium citrate, suppository and dulcolax tablets; can be picked up at the Outpatient Registration/Diagnostic Imaging desk located at Blue 1-122). Patient needs to begin prep in the morning the day before the exam. Patient may take any necessary medications in morning, then nothing by mouth.
Test: Barium Swallow/Esophogram/GE Reflux Study
Prep: Nothing to eat / drink or smoke (or chew) from midnight the night before the exam until the test is preformed.
Children (birth to 2 years): Nothing by mouth 3 hours before exam. Patient may take any necessary medications in the morning, then nothing by mouth. Patient's parent can bring flavored syrup (i.e. Hershey chocolate , strawberry or cherry syrup) to have technologist flavor the barium for exam.
Test: Barium Swallow (with a speech therapist)/Swallow Study/Swallow Evaluation
Test: Bone Age Study
Test: Cystogram
Test: Epidural Injection (lumbar ESI)
Test: ERCP
Prep: Nothing by mouth after midnight
Test: Facet Block
Test: Feeding Tube Replacement
Test: Fistulogram (abdomen)
Test: Gastric Banding Evaluation
Test: Hip Aspiration
Test: HSG (hysterolsalpingogram)
Test: Injections (hand, elbow, foot, hip, knee, shoulder, coccyx, SI joint)
Test: IVP Intravenous Pyelogram
Prep: LoSo prep kit (bowel evacuation kit including magnesium citrate and dulcolax tablets - don't use suppository; can be picked up at the Outpatient Registration/Diagnostic Imaging desk located at Blue 1-122). Must start prep in the morning the day prior to the exam. Nothing to eat from midnight the night before exam.
Test: Lumbar Puncture
Prep: None. It is recommended that patient take it easy (no heavy lifting) for 24 hours after procedure.e.
Test: Marker Study
Test: Myelogram
Prep: Nothing by mouth six hours before
Test: Peritoneogram
Prep: Patient can have breakfast, take any necessary meds in morning, then nothing by mouth
Test: Selective Nerve Root Block
Test: Small Bowel Enteroclysis
Prep: Patient may take any necessary medications in morning, then nothing by mouth
Test: Small Bowel Follow Through
Prep: 8 hour nothing by mouth on the day of the exam
Test: Sniff Test
Test: T-Tube Cholangiogram
Test: Transforaminal Injection
Test: UGI
Prep: Nothing to eat / drink / smoke or chew after midnight the night before the exam.
Children (birth to 2 years): nothing by mouth 3 hours prior to exam. Patient's parent can bring flavored syrup (i.e. Hershey chocolate, strawberry or cherry syrup) to have technologist flavor the barium for exam.
Test: Urethrogram
Test: VCUG (voiding cystourethrogram)
Test: Venogram (leg)
