Fluoroscopy at ZP
Zwanger-Pesiri is dedicated to providing safe and comfortable digital fluoroscopy examinations at six of our offices throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties. With the growing number of patients with limited mobility, our modern fluoroscopy systems accommodate a full range of patients and help to deliver a positive examination experience for all.
Our comprehensive fluoroscopy department provides a full range of diagnostic and interventional fluoroscopy procedures including barium enemas (BE), esophagrams, upper GI series, small bowel series, cystograms and hysterosalpingograms.
ZP participates in Image Wisely™, a campaign that encourages smart medical imaging. We pledge to eliminate unnecessary scans and lower radiation doses by using state-of-the-art equipment for all of our studies at every location.
What is Fluoroscopy?
Fluoroscopy is a safe and painless test that uses a continuous x-ray beam to create a sequence of images that are projected onto a computer monitor. This special x-ray technique makes it possible for physicians to view internal organs in motion by creating real time "x-ray movies." Still images are also captured and stored electronically on a computer. Most fluoroscopic exams require the use of a contrast material (usually barium) to better see the organs inside your body.
Fluoroscopy is used to examine a wide range of internal structures, including the intestines, stomach, lungs, bladder, reproductive system and joints. Fluoroscopy can also be used to guide a variety of interventional procedures, like arthrograms.
How does Fluoroscopy work?
During a fluoroscopy exam, physicians obtain real-time moving images of the internal structures through the use of a fluoroscope. The fluoroscope consists of an x-ray source and fluorescent plate, between which the patient is placed. When the fluoroscope is activated, x-rays pass through the patient and are gathered by the fluorescent plate. Continuous x-rays create a sequence of images which are projected onto the monitor, allowing the radiologist to see internal organs in motion.
For gastrointestinal studies, a contrast material, barium is used to coat the inside of the esophagus, stomach, colon or rectum to produce sharp, well-defined images of the anatomy being studied. Physicians can see the organs in motion as the barium passes through them.
Read more about how digital x-ray works.
How do I prepare?
When scheduling your appointment (online or by phone), provide us with your email address and we will send you personalized forms with your information already filled in. You will only have to update or add any missing information. If your email address is not provided, you can still save time by downloading the fluoroscopy forms and completing them prior to arriving at the office.
You must remove all jewelry and any other metallic objects such as hearing aids, jeans with metal zippers, body piercings and removable dental work. Wearing a sweatsuit with no metal may prevent you from having to change into a gown.
Esophagram (Barium Swallow)/Upper GI/Small Bowel Series
The night before the exam, have a light supper and nothing to eat, drink, smoke or chew after 10:00 p.m.
Barium Enema (BE)
At least two days prior to your exam, you must pick up a prep kit from our office. The kit contains an oral solution that cleanses your bowel, as well as specific instructions for use.
Hysterosalpingograms
Your appointment must be scheduled six to ten days after the onset of your menstrual cycle.
Bring with you to the appointment:
- Prescription from your doctor.
- Current insurance card.
- Authorization number from your insurance carrier.
- Any forms you completed at home.
- Credit card or cash for your insurance co-pay.
- Any relevant studies of the same body area that you have from another facility. We like to compare the new fluoroscopy study with any previous studies to assist in the diagnostic process.
- Picture identification.
Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.
What happens during the test?
All metal in the area being scanned must be removed including jewelry, dentures, eyeglasses, belt buckles and any clothing with metal zippers or buttons. Metal interferes with the quality and accuracy of the images captured during the fluoroscopy exam. You may be asked to change into a gown.
The technologist will confirm that you are free of all metal, review your medical history and answer any questions that you might have.
If you are having a small bowel series, you will be given a barium drink just before your test. For an esophagram or an upper GI series, you will drink the barium during your scan. For a barium enema, the radiologist gently inserts a small tube an inch or two into your rectum, and then uses this tube to fill your colon and rectum with barium liquid. You may feel a little pressure, but it is not painful. If your scan requires contrast dye, it will be injected right before your exam. During a hysterosalpingogram, a low concentrated contrast agent is injected through the cervix.
You will be positioned on the scanning table and the test will begin. The fluoroscopy unit will move over the areas of your body being studied and the images will be captured.
Depending on the type of study being conducted, the entire test will take between 15 and 30 minutes.
Present your prescription, insurance card and completed forms at the front desk. If any additional forms are required, they will be given to you at this time.
Be sure to inform the receptionist and technologist if you:
- Are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
- Have a colostomy or a ileostomy.
- Are currently taking any medications.
- Have any allergies.
- Have any studies of the same body area from another facility. We like to compare the new fluoroscopy study with any previous studies to assist in the diagnostic process.
When can I expect the results?
One of our board certified radiologists interprets your fluoroscopy images, compares them to any previous studies and dictates a report which is transcribed, proofread and signed.
The report is then faxed and mailed to your referring doctor within one or two days.
Your doctor will read the report and review the findings with you.
All of your signed reports and images are available to your referring doctor on our physician’s web portal.
Hysterosalpingogram
A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is a test that uses fluoroscopy to look at the inside of the uterus and fallopian tubes, as well as the area around them. It is often performed for women who are having a hard time becoming pregnant or have had multiple miscarriages.
During the test, a small catheter is inserted into the uterus and filled with a contrast dye. Pictures are taken using a steady beam of x-ray as the dye passes through the uterus and fallopian tubes. This shows whether the fallopian tubes are open or blocked. If the fallopian tubes are open, the dye will fill the tubes and spill out into the abdominal cavity. If not, the pictures may show problems such as an abnormal structure of the uterus or fallopian tubes, or a blockage that would prevent an egg from moving through the fallopian tube to the uterus. A blockage can also prevent sperm from moving into a fallopian tube and fertilizing an egg. This test may also find problems on the inside of the uterus that prevent a fertilized egg from implanting to the uterine wall.
A hysterosalpingogram should be performed two to five days after your menstrual period has ended to be sure you are not pregnant. It should also be performed before you ovulate the following month (unless you are using contraception) to avoid x-rays during an undetected early pregnancy.
