It reveals less detail than a standard still x-ray. Because it exposes the person to more radiation than a standard x-ray, doctors use it only when they need to see internal movement. One use of fluoroscopy is to observe the lungs and diaphragm. The diaphragm is the muscle between the chest and the abdomen. It controls breathing.
Fluoroscopy shows whether it moves properly.
It can also show various parts of the digestive tract. Barium swallow and barium enema tests both use fluoroscopy. Finally, it may be used to guide the passage of catheters or other tools through the body. Fluoroscopy is done in an office or the radiology section of a hospital. The room may be darkened, so the examiner can see the screen clearly.