Fluoroscopy

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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What do I need to know about fluoroscopy?

Fluoroscopy is a test that uses continuous x-ray to show real-time movement in your body. The pictures help show organs or contrast liquid, or help guide medical tools. Fluoroscopy can be used to treat or diagnose a condition.

How do I prepare for fluoroscopy?

• Your healthcare provider will talk to you about how to prepare. He or she may tell you not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your procedure. Arrange for someone to drive you home after you are discharged.
• Tell your provider about all your current medicines. He or she will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of your procedure.
• Tell your provider if you know or think you are pregnant.
• You may be given contrast liquid to help the organs or body structures show up better in the pictures. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

What will happen during fluoroscopy?

• You may be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep and free from pain during the procedure. You may instead be given local anesthesia to numb the procedure area. With local anesthesia, you may still feel pressure or pushing during the procedure, but you should not feel any pain.
• You may be positioned on an x-ray table. You may be asked to move into different positions or move a specific body part. You may be asked to hold your breath during parts of the procedure. You may be asked to drink contrast liquid.

What should I expect after fluoroscopy?

You may be taken to a recovery room after the procedure. Healthcare providers will monitor you until it is safe for you to go home or to a hospital room.

What are the risks of fluoroscopy?

You may be exposed to large amounts of radiation. You may develop burns from radiation. You may have skin reddening or hair loss from radiation. You may have an allergic reaction to the contrast liquid.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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