A fluoroscopy unit is essentially a video xray machine. It takes continuous pictures of the body but only a small xray dose is used.

Digital Fluoroscopy

Fluoroscopy study is a technique for obtaining 'live' xray images of a living patient. The radiologist uses a switch to control an xray beam that is transmitted through the patient. The xray then strike a fluorescent plate call 'image intensifier' and transform to a television camera.

Radiologists will watch the images 'live' on a TV monitor. Fluoroscopy is often used to examine / observe the digestive tract (upper GI series – Barium Swallow, Barium Meal), (Lower GI series : Barium Enema).

Because all this examination happen in 'real time' further information is gained. Besides used for diagnostic purposes, fluoroscopy study also used as therapeutic radiology procedures.

Prepared by Tan Jui Kok
Radiology Department Manager.