Live X-Rays (Fluoroscopy)
Fluoroscopy is a form of “live x-rays” – where the radiologist can see in real time how contrast moves through certain parts of the body by using x-rays.
It uses ionizing radiation and lead shielding is provided for the accompanying parent
Your doctor will complete a Radiology Request form which is to be brought to our department. The form is very important for Medical Aid approval and needs to accompany you.
The radiology department can then be phoned to make a booking and you will be allocated a scheduled date and time
- Medical aid card if applicable
- Radiology request form received from your doctor
- When you bring your child
- Clean set of clothes for your child
- Bottles, milk, nappies, dummies etc
- Favourite soft toy – if applicable
Admission is only required for certain procedures – your referring doctor will give you more information regarding this.
Most procedures done in the fluoroscopy unit are day-procedures
No questionnaire is necessary – but do inform the radiographer/radiologist if you or your child had previous examinations of the same nature
Usually, no sedation is needed – as the procedures are quick
You are welcome to accompany your child into the fluoroscopy suite and stay during the fluoroscopy procedure.
Children tend to cooperate better if a parent is in the vicinity.
The Radiologist will also be in the room and can explain the procedure to you – you can thus ask any questions you may have to the Radiologist or radiographer
The examination time varies – between 5 minutes – 90 minutes if follow up views are requested.
Most fluoroscopy exams however are quite quick (<15 minutes)
Contrast administration is given either orally, rectally or into the bladder depending upon what the examination is for
We mainly use 3 types of contrast material
- Barium sulphate – white, thick mixture – also given either orally or rectally – tastes like chalk, but some solutions have been manufactured with a sweetener and tastes like strawberries.
- Urograffin – usually only given via a catheter into the bladder – tastes very bitter if taken orally.
- Omnipaque – water soluble contrast agent, safe to give in any way (orally, rectally, into the bladder or intravenous (via a drip))
Side effects may include nausea and vomiting (mostly due to the taste) and constipation.
This can be easily treated with conventional or home remedies
You may go home directly after the procedure OR if you are admitted to hospital, your referring doctor will most probably discharge you home on the same day.