Diagnostic imaging

This test looks at organs, blood vessels and tissues using high-frequency sound waves. The information below will help you get ready for your appointment.

General information

Arrival time

Please come to the front desk 15 minutes before your appointment time.

Child supervision

We do not provide childcare. Please arrange for someone to watch your children during your appointment.

Medications

You can continue taking medications as you normally would, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Insulin-dependent diabetics

Please consult with your doctor to confirm the dose of insulin you should take on the day of your appointment.

Cancellation list for appointments

If you would like us to contact you if an earlier appointment becomes available, please give your phone number to the staff at the front desk.

Obstetric, pelvic or prostate ultrasounds

You must have a full bladder for your appointment. Drink at least four glasses (one litre) of water 1 to 1.5 hours before your appointment and do not empty your bladder during this time.

Obstetrical appointments

These appointments take around 45 minutes. Family can come into the room at the end of the appointment, with permission from the sonographer. Photos are only done after 16 weeks of pregnancy.

Abdomen or gallbladder ultrasounds

You must not have anything to eat, drink, smoke or chew after midnight (12 a.m.) before your test.

Abdomen and pelvic combined ultrasounds

You must not have anything to eat, drink, smoke or chew after midnight (12 a.m.) before your test.

You must also have a full bladder for your appointment. Drink at least four glasses (one litre) of water 1 to 1.5 hours before your appointment and do not empty your bladder during this time.

Renal (kidneys) ultrasounds

You must not eat anything for four hours before your appointment. Drink three glasses of water (750 millilitres) one hour before your appointment and do not empty your bladder during this time.

All other ultrasounds

You can eat and drink normally before your appointment.

This test uses an X-ray to look at your mouth, throat and esophagus. You will need to drink a barium mixture that allows your doctor to see it move through your system on a video screen.

You cannot eat or drink anything after 10 p.m. the night before your test. Please bring comfortable clothing and any eye glasses or hearing aids.

This test may be ordered by the endoscopy department. You will have to fast for six hours before the test or as directed by your doctor.

This test uses an X-ray to look at the large intestine. Barium will be poured into a tube inserted into your rectum to make sure your intestine shows up clearly on the X-ray.

This text uses an X-ray to look inside your uterus and fallopian tubes. A dye is added to your uterus through a thin tube placed through the vagina to make sure your doctor can clearly see your uterus and fallopian tubes.

Your gynecologist will tell you how to prepare for this test.