Fluoroscopy is a method that provides real-time X-ray imaging. This?is especially useful for guiding a variety of diagnostic and interventional procedures. The ability of fluoroscopy to display motion is provided by a continuous series of images produced at a maximum rate of 25-30 complete images per second. This is similar to the way conventional television or video transmits images.

While the X-ray exposure needed to produce one fluoroscopic image is low (compared to radiography), high exposures to patients can result from the large series of images that are encountered in fluoroscopic procedures. Therefore, the total fluoroscopic time is one of the major factors that determines the exposure to the patient from fluoroscopy.