An apparatus for rendering X-rays visible after they have passed through the body, by projecting them on a screen of calcium tungstate. The technique is known as ?uoroscopy. It provides a method of being able to watch, for instance, the beating of the heart, or the movements of the intestine after the administration of a barium meal. (See also X-RAYS.)
n. historically, an instrument by which X-rays were projected through a patient onto a fluorescent screen enabling the resultant image to be viewed directly by the radiologist. However, this resulted in high radiation doses for the radiologist. For diagnostic purposes the screen has been replaced by the *image intensifier and TV monitor.
n. the emission of light from a substance. *Fluorescence is a type of luminescence obtained after an object has been irradiated. This phenomenon is used in a *fluoroscope, a *gamma camera, an X-ray *cassette, and some types of *dosimeter.... luminescence
n. diagnostic radiology: traditionally, the technique of examining the body by directing *X-rays through it to produce images (radiographs) on photographic film or a fluoroscope. Increasingly radiography involves the production of images by *computerized tomography, *magnetic resonance imaging, and *nuclear medicine. It is used to produce images of disease in all parts of the body, to be interpreted by radiologists for physicians and surgeons. It is also widely used in dentistry for detecting dental caries, periodontal disease, periapical disease, the presence and position of unerupted teeth, and disease of the jaws. See also radiographer; radiology.... radiography
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