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Overview
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A Fluoroscopy scanner uses an X-ray beam, passed through the body to create an X-ray 'movie.' The images are captured and viewed on a fluoroscope, which looks like a small television with a round screen. Unlike a traditional X-ray that produces a single image, fluoroscopy studies produce real-time video of the anatomy and how it moves.
In addition to skeletal images, fluoroscopy is used to look at the digestive, urinary, respiratory and reproductive systems.
You can review information specific to your scan by selecting from the 'study type' menu in the left column.
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(1) Philips EasyDiagnost Eleva Fluoroscopy System
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A lumbar puncture uses a needle under X-ray guidance to draw spinal fluid for lab work.
- Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your exam time.
- With approval from your doctor or provider, discontinue use of blood thinners such as aspirin or Coumadin three days prior to the study.
- Lab work may be required one day prior to examination.
- Please leave all jewelry at home. Jewelry, including piercings, must be removed prior to your study.
- Wear comfortable two-piece clothing.
For your safety, please notify our scheduling department and technologists:
- If you are allergic to iodine
- If you are diabetic
- If you believe you may be pregnant
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During your visit, a patient advocate will show you to the changing area and can assist you if necessary. Our changing rooms offer secure lockers, but we encourage patients to leave valuables at home. Once changed, our patient advocate will guide you to a waiting area where you will find a selection of magazines and newspapers.
Our Radiology Practioner Assistants (RPA) and technologists are specially trained and certified by the American Registry of Radiological Technologists. During your study, you will lie on your stomach on a motorized x-ray table that can be tilted up and down. Your back will be marked with a pen where the puncture will occur. This area is then sterilized. The sterilizing solution may feel cool or cold. Once sterile, the area will be draped. A local anesthetic is given prior to the lumbar puncture to make you more comfortable.
A long thin needle is inserted and the core of the needle will be removed to draw fluid. If no fluid is present, the needle will be repositioned or a different location may be chosen. A pressure reading may be taken. If so, the fluid is collected and sent to the lab for analysis. After the procedure, you can expect to remain in the x-ray department for up to one hour to minimize the chance of having a headache and to give your body a chance to replace the fluid that was drawn.
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- You may be asked to wait until the technologist or radiologist reviews your images.
- A sub-specialized radiologist will interpret your images and prepare a diagnostic report for your physician.
- Results are usually made available to your physician in two or three days. If outside comparison studies are required, it may take longer for your results to be made available.
- Your physician will determine how the radiologist's report can be used to develop a treatment plan and speak with you about your results.
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A lumbar puncture is used to help diagnose:
- Serious infections, such as meningitis and encephalitis
- Bleeding around the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage)
- Certain cancers involving the brain and spinal cord
- Certain inflammatory conditions of the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis and Guillain-Barre syndrome
Source: Mayo Clinic, April 7, 2008
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