Exam Preparation
Before your scheduled appointment, please remember to:
Bring a valid Ontario Health Card or VISA, Mastercard or Debit.
Bring a signed requisition by a registered physician or designated healthcare provider.
Bring a list of your medications, if applicable.
Arrive 15 minutes early to your appointment to register – late arrivals may require rescheduling your appointment.
Please notify the clinic at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment, if you need to cancel or change it.
Preparing for your specific exam:
Mammography
Mammogram
The best time to book your mammogram procedure is one week following your period to reduce breast sensitivity. Try not to have your mammogram the week before you get your period or during your period. Your breasts may be tender or swollen during that time. Always inform your doctor or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that you are pregnant.
On the day of the study, wear comfortable clothing and do not wear deodorant, talcum powder, perfume or lotion under your arms. These products can show up as spots on your images.
To ensure the best quality images, you may be asked to remove any jewelry or metal objects on your skin. You will also be asked to remove clothing above the waist and wear a cloth or paper gown.
During and After the Test
During the exam, the images are taken in an upright position with one breast at a time being placed between two x-ray plates. The plates are gradually positioned to compress breast tissue which ensures the best quality image. Once in place, two images are taken of each breast. One image is taken from top to bottom and the other is from side to side.
After the exam is complete, your breasts may be tender temporarily however you will be able to return to your normal activities.
Results
A radiologist specialized in mammography will interpret your images and provide a report to your referring doctor. It is suggested to schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor to ensure that a clear explanation of the results is provided. Patients can also access their results through the patient portal or by using PocketHealth – Access Reports & Images Here.
Ultrasounds Adults
ABDOMEN
This exam requires the patient to have an empty stomach.
DO NOT eat or drink anything 12 hours prior to your examination.
Includes studies of the pancreas, gall bladder, spleen, liver, kidneys and aorta.
PELVIC
- This exam requires the patient to have a full bladder.
- Finish drinking 32 ounces or 1 litre (4 cups) of water/fluid 1 hour prior to your appointment. Acceptable fluids include coffee, tea, juice, and water. DO NOT drink milk. Do not go to the washroom before your examination.
- Includes studies of uterus, ovaries, bladder, G.U. tract, and pregnancy (obstetrical/nuchal translucency).
ABDOMEN & PELVIC
- DO NOT eat anything 12 hours prior to examination. Finish drinking 32 ounces or 1 litre of water ONLY one hour before your examination. Do not go to the washroom before your examination.
RENAL
- DO NOT eat or drink for 3 hours before your appointment.
RENAL & BLADDER
- DO NOT eat anything 12 hours prior to examination. Finish drinking 32 ounces or 1 litre of water ONLY one hour before your examination. Do not go to the washroom before your examination.
PROSTATE WITH TRANSRECTAL
Take A FLEET ENEMA 2 hours before the examination (purchase at pharmacy). Eat an early, light dinner the date before the examination. DO NOT eat or drink after midnight the night before the examination. Finish drinking 32 ounces or 1 litre (4 cups) of water 1 hour before the appointment. DO NOT go to the washroom before the examination.
For PROSTATE ONLY examinations, do not take laxatives
OBSTETRIC
Finish drinking 32 oz (1 litre) of water 1 hour before your appointment. Do not empty your bladder before the examination.
ULTRASOUND - Children Ages 0-12 Years
ABDOMEN
Under 2 Years: No eating or drinking for 2 hours before your appointment (children can drink some water).
Ages 2-4 Years: No eating or drinking for 4 hours before your appointment (children can drink some water).
Ages 5-12 Years: No eating or drinking for 4 hours before your appointment (children can drink some water).
PELVIC
Under 3 Years: Drink clear fluid such as water, apple juice, etc. DO NOT drink any fluids with bubbles.
Ages 3-6 Years: Drink 16 ounces (2 cups) of water 30 minutes before your appointment.
Ages 7-12 Years: Drink 24 ounces (3 cups) of water 45 minutes before your appointment.
BONE MINERAL DENSITY
Do not take vitamin/calcium supplements for 24 hours before your exam. If you have had a barium study or nuclear medicine dye injection within the past 2 weeks, your test will have to be rescheduled until 2 weeks has passed.
FLUOROSCOPY
BARIUM STUDIES
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