Word parts
fluor/o glowing (from the fluorescent screen)-scopy looking, viewing
What it means
A steady x-ray beam shows live images on a screen, so the provider can watch organs move or guide a procedure. It is used for barium swallow studies, heart catheterization, placing lines and tubes, and in orthopedic surgery with a C-arm. Contrast dye is often used to make structures show up.
For the nurse
Ask about pregnancy and contrast allergy before the test. Staff in the room wear lead aprons and thyroid shields and use time, distance and shielding to limit their own exposure.
Related terms
x-ray
A picture of the inside of the body made with a small dose of radiation; also called a radiograph.
chest x-ray
An x-ray picture of the chest that shows the lungs, heart, large blood vessels, ribs and diaphragm.