What X-ray methods are most commonly used?
Fluoroscopy, mammography, contrast media, angiogram, arthrogram, upper GI series, lower GI series, intravenous pyelogram (IVP) or urogram.
- Fluoroscopy – an image is transferred on a TV monitor after passing X-rays through the body to observe the image of internal body structures at work
- Mammography – used to detect breast cancer with the help of a special X-ray machine that produces clear images of breast tissue
- Contrast media – special substances are either injected or swallowed (air, barium sulfate, organic iodine compounds), causing the soft tissue systems of the body to be outlined
- Angiogram – a contrast medium is injected into blood vessels in order to show blood flow in the brain, heart, lungs or kidneys, revealing any blockage or an active bleeding site
- Arthrogram – a contrast medium is injected into a joint (knee or shoulder) to detect injuries or disease
- Upper GI series – the patient is given a "barium shake" to drink for the common contrast medium, which will show any issues in the upper part of the gastrointestinal system
- Lower GI series – requires dietary changes 2-3 days before the procedure, in which the colon and rectum are pictures using a barium enema
- Intravenous pyelogram (IVP) or urogram – special dietary preparation is usually necessary before a contrast medium is injected into a vein, allowing kidneys, ureters and bladder to be observed
Source: https://www.cedars-sinai.edu/
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