Fluoroscopy & General X-ray

X-rays use radiation to see through tissues to study the chest and skeletal system. Fluoroscopy uses X-rays in real-time to evaluate the gastrointestinal or urinary tract, as well as to guide access to joints during procedures. 

At Lake Forest Hospital Diagnostic Imaging Centers, we offer a wide variety of X-ray and fluoroscopy procedures on almost every part of the body.

As with all radiologic procedures, it is important to inform the technologist if you may be pregnant.

How do I prepare for a Fluoroscopy Exam?

Each type of Fluoroscopy Exam requires different pre-exam preparation.  It may be important not to eat anything, or to eat certain foods, prior to the exam.  Please read below to determine what your specific preparation needs are prior to your exam.

Esophagus/Upper GI
You should not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your appointment.  Do not smoke or chew gum after midnight.  Please allow 1 hour for the examination.

 

Kidney (IVP)
On the night before your appointment, eat a light dinner at 6 p.m.  After dinner, ingest one bottle (6 oz.) of Citrate of Magnesia or 4 Tbsp. of Fleet Phospho-Soda in 6 oz. of water or juice.   Do not eat or drink anything after midnight before your appointment.  If your appointment is after 1 p.m., you should only have a clear liquid breakfast before your exam.  On the morning of your exam, perform a Fleet enema.  Please allow 1 hour for the examination.

 

Small Bowel
You should not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your appointment.  Please allow 2-4 hours for the exam.

 

Pneumocolon/Lower GI
For best results and to prevent the need for a repeat exam, your colon must be thoroughly cleansed.  To prepare for this exam, you must follow a low-residue diet for 2 days prior to your appointment.

• Day 1: Low Residue Diet. 
  You may only eat the following foods:
  • Strained fruit juices, clear broth
  • White rice, boiled noodles, soft boiled eggs
  • Plain gelatin, marshmallows, vanilla wafers
  • Coffee (no cream), tea, soft drinks, water
  • Do not eat bread, fruit, vegetables, meats, fish or dairy products
    
    
• Day 2: Clear Liquids. 
  On the day before your appointment, you may have only the following foods:
  • Clear juices, synthetic juices, Kool-Aid®, Gatorade®
  • Soft drinks, tea, coffee (no cream, but sugar is allowed)
  • Clear broth and gelatin
• In addition, on Day 2, you will need to take these steps:
  • 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.: drink an 8 oz. glass of water or clear liquid every hour
  • 12:00 p.m.: take 4 Tbsp. Castor Oil, 4 Tbsp. of Fleet Phospho-Soda in 6 oz. water or juice, or 1 bottle of Citrate of Magnesia
  • 4:00 p.m.: take 4 Tbsp. Castor Oil, 4 Tbsp. of Fleet Phospho-Soda in 6 oz. water or juice, or 1 bottle of Citrate of Magnesia
  • You may drink only a small amount (8 oz.) of water or synthetic juices until your appointment time
    
    
• Day of the Lower GI Exam.
  2 hours prior to the exam, perform a tap water cleansing enema at home.  Allow 1.5 - 2.5 hours for the examination. 

 

For more information, please contact your physician or our main Radiology (Diagnostic Imaging) office at (847) 535-6300.