Medical Imaging

General Radiography (X-ray)
Radiographs are pictures that are taken of internal structures of the body by x-rays passing through to a digital cassette.  Common studies include x-rays of the bones, chest, and abdomen.  You may be asked to change into a patient gown and be asked to wear a lead apron for protection.

Gastrics
This type of exam takes internal pictures of the gastrointestinal system (GI tract).  Studies may include barium swallows, barium enemas, and small bowel examinations.  You may be asked to swallow different types of drinks or be given a liquid that helps the viewer see the organs in question.  You may be asked to not eat or drink or be given special preparation instructions by your physician prior to your exam day.

Angiography
Interventional radiology (or angiography) performs a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic examinations including the study and treatment of blocked blood vessels, the insertion and maintenance of oncology & dialysis lines, PICC line insertions, organ biopsies, and pain localization and management.

Your physician will instruct you regarding necessary blood work and/or anticoagulant medications (ex. Coumadin or ASA).  You may be asked to not eat or drink prior to your exam day.  You may also be injected with a liquid  that allows the radiologist to visualize vessels and/or specific organs.  Questions and concerns can be answered by your physician.

Bone Mineral Densitometry (BMD)
BMD uses a very low dose x-ray instrument to measure the bone mineral content.  BMD studies identify patients with, or who potentially will have, low bone mineral density (osteoporosis).  Treatment can then occur which will aid in the prevention of fractures.

Computed Tomography (CT)
A CT scan produces a series of images that can detect many conditions that are not seen with conventional x-rays.  During the study a thin beam of radiation is focused on the specific body part to be studied.  The x-ray tube moves around this body part as the table moves the patient through the scanner.  This creates multiple cross sectional images.

CT exams are very sensitive to motion so the patient must hold completely still.  Some CT scans require the use of a contrast media in the form of a drink or an IV injection.  You may be in the department for up to 2 hours depending on the body part that is being imaged.  The contrast media helps to outline blood vessels and organs so they can be easily seen.

Your physician will provide you with instructions regarding necessary blood work and they may request that you do not eat or drink anything prior to your CT exam.  Please call your doctor for details regarding your own specific CT exam.

Mammography/Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP)
A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast which is most commonly used as a screening device for early detection of breast disease.  Many women have their first screening mammogram in their 40s.  Mammograms are recommended once every two years over the age of 50.

You will be changed into a mammography gown so please wear a 2 piece outfit.  Also please refrain from using deodorant or talcum powder prior to your mammogram.

The breast is compressed to be able to see breast structures optimally.  The goal of mammography is to visualize all the breast tissue to ensure the patient receives a thorough examination.

Please allow a minimum of 60 minutes for your appointment.  Brightshores Health System offers services for self-referral breast exams through OBSP. Please call 519-376-8637 to determine eligibility for self-referral, to book an appointment, or for more information regarding the Ontario Breast Screening Program.

Ultrasound is a painless test that makes images of internal organs using sound waves instead of x-rays.  Ultrasound is used to capture images of parts of the body including the heart, blood vessels, liver, spleen, gall bladder, kidneys, bladder, and fetuses.   Ultrasound is also used to perform biopsies as well as other therapeutic studies.  You may be asked to change into a hospital gown. Gel is put on the skin and a transducer (a tool that looks like a microphone) is moved over the area of interest. This tool sends sound waves into the body and the returning sound waves make a picture on a computer screen.  Depending on the type of ultrasound, you may be asked to drink plenty of water or you may be asked to not drink or eat anything prior to your exam.  Please speak to your physician for specific instructions pertaining to your test.

A nuclear medicine exam begins with an injection of a radioactive drug which gathers in a particular organ system.  Different radioactive drugs are used to create images of  different organs.  Depending on which organs we are taking a picture of, your study may be a 6 hour test, or a more complicated 2 day test.  Please speak with your physician for specific instructions pertaining to your exam.  Nuclear medicine uses ionizing radiation like x-rays, however in nuclear medicine special detectors called gamma cameras are used to look at the radioactive drug in the body.  The gamma camera does not emit radiation –  only detects it.  The patient emits the radiation that is injected.  Nuclear medicine is used to create images of the brain, kidneys, heart, gallbladder & biliary tree, lungs and thyroid gland.

MRI is a non-invasive imaging tool that uses a strong magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to produce images.  During your scan loud noises up to 93dB can be produced, therefore you must wear ear plugs or a head set to protect your hearing.  For your safety, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown before entering into the scan room.  To avoid a loss of personal items, please leave all jewelry and valuables at home.

Please also be advised that you may find the magnet to be claustrophobic.  If required, any oral sedation must be provided by your physician so please make prior arrangements as this is not provided by the hospital.

MRI scans can provide information about the brain, spine, joints, organs and vessels.  MRI can also show differences in tissues that may not be visible with other types of imaging exams.  Some magnetic resonance examinations require an injection of contrast to see structures more clearly.  Your doctor may also request that you refrain from eating or drinking anything prior to your study.  MRI exams can last from 30-90 minutes and you will be asked to lie perfectly still when the images are being taken.  Please call your physician for details regarding your own specific MRI exam.