X-ray & Fluoroscopy

An X-ray machine uses electromagnetic waves to create black-and-white pictures of the inside of your body. This common imaging test is quick, easy, and noninvasive.

Your doctor may recommend an X-ray to:

• Diagnose broken bones, or fractures
• Assess your bone and joint health
• Find foreign objects in your body
• Screen for or diagnose breast cancer (mammogram)
• Diagnose or monitor treatment for lung conditions, such as pneumonia, emphysema, and lung cancer
• Diagnose digestive conditions, such as gallstones and intestinal blockages

A special type of X-ray, called a fluoroscopy, creates a real-time, movie-like X-ray image that’s displayed on a screen. Your doctor may recommend a fluoroscopy to:

• Examine a joint (arthrography)
• Diagnose gastrointestinal conditions
• Find foreign objects in your body
• Detect blockages in your heart arteries (coronary angiography)
• Guide injections to your joints or spine
• Help position medical devices or catheters

For most X-rays, you’ll lie on an exam table and be asked to stay still while an X-ray machine takes pictures of your body. You may be asked to hold your breath for a second or two. You won’t feel any pain, but, depending on the area being examined, you may need to hold an uncomfortable position for a short amount of time.

For some tests, such as fluoroscopy exams of your digestive tract, you may be given a contrast dye before your scan so your doctor can more easily examine a specific part of your body.

Count on the radiologists at Essentia to accurately read your X-rays and share the results with your primary care or referring physician promptly. Your doctor will talk to you about the results.