Ultrasound
Overview
Ultrasound imaging, also called Ultrasound scanning or Sonography uses high-frequency sound waves to produce precise images of structures within the body.
Registered sonographers conduct ultrasound scans. Sonographers are required to obtain certification through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS), and are required to be a member in good standing of the College of Medical Radiation Technologists of Ontario (CMRTO), which promotes a high level of professional standard of practice in Canada. Our ultrasound services include obstetric, gynaecological, abdominal, small parts, musculoskeletal and vascular.
Ultrasound examinations generally require an appointment though there are certain situations when an urgent examination must be performed. Examples of these situations include when your doctor suspects a blood clot in the leg, a recent stroke, obstetrical complication or other acute condition.
We expedite referrals in these cases in order to provide rapid diagnosis and we facilitate access to higher level of care in the hospital setting where appropriate.
Appointment Details
- An appointment is required for these tests.
- If you are booking a fasting examination and you are diabetic, we require you to inform the booking clerk when making your appointment. We will then book your exam early in the morning.
- You must bring your requisition and health card.
- Please arrive a few minutes early to register and allow time for optimal test.
What Do I Need To Prepare?
Abdominal Ultrasound
Nothing to eat or drink after midnight. Do not chew gum the morning of the study.
Abdominal And Pelvic Ultrasound (combined)
Nothing to eat after midnight. Do not chew gum the morning of the study.
Drink 5 large glasses of water (1 litre) to be finished one (1) hour before the examination.
DO NOT EMPTY YOUR BLADDER.
Pelvic Or Obstetrical Ultrasound Or IPS Ultrasound (part I)
Drink 5 large glasses of water (1 litre) to be finished one (1) hour before the examination.
DO NOT EMPTY YOUR BLADDER.
* A female pelvic exam may require a transvaginal study for optimum diagnostic results.
Thyroid, Scrotum, Breast Ultrasound
No preparation.
Small Parts (extremity) Ultrasound
No preparation.
Musculoskeletal (MSK) Ultrasound
No preparation.
Vascular Ultrasound
Portal Vein – nothing to eat or drink after midnight. Do not chew gum the morning of the study.
Femoral Peripheral Arterial – Nothing to eat or drink four (4) hours before exam.
All other vascular studies – no preparation – wear a loose two-piece outfit.
