X-ray exams are familiar to most people. They are frequently used to evaluate suspected fractures, locate foreign objects in soft tissue around or in bones or look for indications of injury, infection or an abnormality.

Fluoroscopy is an x-ray technique that can be used to produce serial images on a video monitor in “real time.” The original radiologic tool, x-ray, is used today in a wide range of diagnostic and treatment procedures.

• Digital X-ray – Fluoroscopy Exams at TRA

  At TRA, our x-rays are digital images that are sent to a computer for the radiologist to review. Although your x-ray images can be printed onto film or burned onto a CD for your physician, digital x-rays create electronic images much like a digital camera. This allows our physicians the ability to enlarge or zoom in on the images as needed.

  TRA offers general x-ray examinations on a walk-in basis. Fluoroscopic x-rays including arthrogram and hysterosalpingogram require a scheduled appointment. In every case, our staff will help you prepare for your exam and work with you to have a comfortable and successful exam. Many x-ray exams take only a few minutes.

• Find TRA locations for X-Ray / Fluoroscopy

  Search TRA Locations TRA-on Cedar (Tacoma) TRA-on Lilly (Olympia) TRA-Lakewood

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• What is X-ray – Fluoroscopy and How Does It Work?

• X-rays are very short wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation that can penetrate matter to produce an image of bones and internal organs. Physicians and practitioners use x-ray images to confirm a diagnosis or a clinical finding, such as extremity fracture or pneumonia.

  

  When x-rays pass through a patient, the various parts of the body absorb the x-ray beam in different ways. Dense tissues, such as bones, appear white, and less dense tissues, such as muscles and organs, appear in shades of gray. X-rays that pass only through air appear black. X-ray dye or contrast mediums can be used in some examinations to make certain structures, such as the kidneys or bowel, visible on an x-ray image.

  Fluoroscopy is an x-ray technique that uses a fluoroscope—a device that projects radiographic (x-ray) images in a movie-like sequence onto a screen monitor. It is frequently used by radiologists as a guidance tool during interventional radiology procedures.

  

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• What to Expect During an X-ray – Fluoroscopy Exam

• You should expect to be placed in various positions and to hold still. Fluoroscopy involves the injection of x-ray contrast into the area to be examined. Movement, positioning and body mass may affect the diagnostic usefulness of x-rays. It is also helpful to bring any relevant prior films or information (date and location) of other imaging exams, so physicians can compare new films with old ones, if they are available.

  

  Due to potential radiation exposure, only patients are permitted in the x-ray room. Supportive partners, including parents, are asked to remain outside the x-ray room during filming. If you have small children, you are encouraged to make arrangements for their supervision during your x-ray or fluoroscopic examination.

  A TRA radiologist will analyze and interpret the x-rays and provide a report to your referring physician or health care provider, who will share the results and treatment options with you.

  

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• How to Prepare for an X-ray – Fluoroscopy Exam

• General x-ray examinations may take only a few minutes to complete, other specialty exams may take several hours. You will be asked to remove any jewelry and clothing that may interfere with the x-rays. A gown will be provided as needed.

  

  General x-ray exams (i.e. chest and extremity exams) are available on a walk-in basis and require no special preparation.

  Arthrogram and hysterosalpingogram (fluoroscopic x-ray) exams require a scheduled appointment. Please check in 15 minutes before your appointment time.

  These and other specialty x-ray or fluoroscopy exams may have special preparation instructions. You will find preparation instructions listed under each type of exam below. Please follow them carefully.

  Be sure to tell the technologist when you make your appointment if you are diabetic or if there is a possibility that you could be pregnant.

  

Types of X-ray – Fluoroscopy Scans

Select Type General x-ray Arthrogram (fluoroscopy) Hysterosalpingogram (fluoroscopy)

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• General x-ray

• General x-ray includes evaluation of the chest, spine, skull, extremities, hips, pelvis and abdomen. General x-ray is often used to evaluate suspected fracture, or other indications of injury or abnormality. Here are a few examples:

  • Chest x-rays may be used to detect pneumonia, tuberculosis, and enlargement of the heart;
  • Abdominal x-rays can reveal the size and shape of abdominal structures, as well as the presence of fluid or air in the abdomen;
  • Spinal x-rays may be used to evaluate scoliosis (curvature of the spine);
  • Extremity films may indicate fracture or locality of foreign bodies.
  • No special preparation is required for general x-ray.

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• Arthrogram (fluoroscopy)

• An arthrogram involves an injection of x-ray contrast into a joint under x-ray (fluoroscopy) to examine the soft tissue structures of the joint: ligaments, muscles, articular cartilage and bursa. These soft tissue structures cannot be imaged well on x-ray alone. Arthrograms are often done in combination with an MRI or CT study following the injection, depending on the condition or injury your physician suspects. Most often, arthograms are performed on knees, hips, wrists, elbows and shoulders.

  During your arthrogram: You will be brought to the exam room by a technologist, who will ask you for your related health history and your consent for the procedure. The radiologist will then come to perform the injection. Using image guidance (live-time x-ray) the radiologist will first locate the area to inject. Then the skin will be cleansed with antiseptic soap. The first injection will be local anesthetic to numb the skin to reduce discomfort. Once the skin is numb, the second injection will be placed in the joint space using fluoroscopy. When it is confirmed that the needle is in the exact location, contrast will be injected into the joint, and several x-rays will be taken. If you are to have an MRI or CT to follow, you will be escorted to the correct waiting area.

  Following the exam: You may experience some swelling or discomfort after the injection. Rest the joint for 12 hours. Apply ice to the joint for swelling and take over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol, Motrin, Advil or Aleve for pain. Report persistent symptoms to the clinic or department where the procedure was performed.

  • No special preparation is required for arthrogram

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• Hysterosalpingogram (fluoroscopy)

• Hysterosalpingogram is a fluoroscopic (x-ray) procedure which allows for better visualization of the uterus and fallopian tubes. It is often ordered when a woman has trouble becoming pregnant. This procedure is performed to evaluate narrowing of the fallopian tubes, scarring of the uterine lining and/or congenital malformation of the uterus as a possible cause of infertility.

  During your hysterosalpingogram: you will be positioned as for a routine pelvic exam and a speculum is inserted into your vagina. A small tube will be inserted through the cervix into the uterus. A contrast material (clear dye) is injected into the uterus. Under fluoroscopic x-ray, the uterus and fallopian tubes are illuminated as they fill with contrast. X-ray images are obtained. It is common to experience cramping during and after the procedure.

  Following the exam: you may experience cramping. Over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol, Motrin, Advil or Aleve or other non-aspirin pain relievers are recommended for post procedural cramping.

  If you think you might be pregnant, it is important that you tell us before your appointment.

  Please check with your insurance company before your exam to see if hysterosalpingogram is a covered benefit as many insurance companies do not cover this service.

  • Hysterosalpingogram must be performed 3 to 5 days after a menstrual period. No sexual intercourse from the first day of the menstrual cycle until after this exam. No other preparation is required.