Fluoroscopy

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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AMBULATORY CARE:

What you 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 to 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.

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 to 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.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

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.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US), or have someone call if:

• You have symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as throat swelling.
• You feel lightheaded, short of breath, and have chest pain.

Seek care immediately if:

• Your skin becomes red and painful.

Call your doctor if:

• You have pain at your procedure area.
• You have nausea or are vomiting.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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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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