What type of radiation is primarily used in fluoroscopy?

Fluoroscopy primarily utilizes X-rays for imaging purposes. This technique allows healthcare providers to view real-time moving images of the internal structures of the body. X-rays are high-energy electromagnetic radiation that can penetrate body tissues, making them ideal for diagnostic imaging.

The reason X-rays are specifically used in fluoroscopy is due to their ability to create images of varying densities, which helps in visualizing different anatomical structures, such as bones, organs, and other tissues in motion. This capability is critical in procedures where live feedback is necessary, such as guiding medical instruments during surgeries or interventional procedures.

Other types of radiation, such as gamma rays, ultraviolet rays, and infrared radiation, do not serve the same purpose in fluoroscopy. Gamma rays are generally used in nuclear medicine for different diagnostic imaging methods. Ultraviolet and infrared rays are not suitable for imaging deep structures within the body, as they do not have adequate penetrating power for medical imaging applications. Thus, X-rays are the choice for fluoroscopy due to their specific characteristics that align with the needs of real-time imaging.