Imaging exams and how to prepare

CT Scan

A CT scan takes a series of X-ray images from different angles and combines them into detailed cross-sections of your bones, organs, blood vessels and soft tissues. It shows far more detail than a standard X-ray.

BEFORE YOUR VISIT

• Stop by our office the day before your exam to collect your preparation instructions in person
• Tell us if you could be pregnant
• Bring your doctor's request form

X-Ray

X-rays use a very small dose of radiation to picture any bone in the body. They are the quickest way for your doctor to check for fractures, dislocations and joint problems.

BEFORE YOUR VISIT

• Little or no preparation needed — walk-ins welcome
• Tell your doctor and our technologist if you could be pregnant

Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create live images inside the body. It is painless, uses no radiation, and is safe in pregnancy.

BEFORE YOUR VISIT

• Abdominal: nothing to eat or drink for 4 hours before your appointment
• Pelvic: drink 1 litre of water 1 hour before your exam, and don't empty your bladder until after the scan
• All other ultrasounds: no preparation needed
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. It shows the heart's size and shape, how well it pumps, and how blood flows through its valves and chambers.

BEFORE YOUR VISIT

• No preparation needed — eat and drink as normal
• Bring a list of your current medications

Mammogram

Screening mammography uses low-dose X-rays to find breast cancer early — before any symptoms appear, when it is most treatable. If anything needs a closer look, follow-up ultrasound and biopsy are available here in the same building.

BEFORE YOUR VISIT

• Tell us about any breast symptoms, past surgery or hormone use
• Let us know about any family or personal history of breast cancer
• Tell us if you could be pregnant
• Bring copies of previous mammograms for comparison
• Don't wear deodorant or powder on the day of your exam
• Wear comfortable clothing

Biopsies & special procedures

A biopsy removes a small sample of tissue so it can be checked for disease. Most needle biopsies are done as an outpatient visit, guided by imaging, and samples can be examined by our own laboratory.

BEFORE YOUR VISIT

• Tell your doctor about all medications, including aspirin, blood thinners and herbal supplements
• Mention any allergies, especially to anaesthetic
• You may be asked to stop blood thinners for a while, and not to eat or drink for 8 hours
• Tell us if you could be pregnant