X-RAY

An x-ray is a technology which is used to examine many parts of the body. It is a painless and quick way to see the structure inside your body, especially bones. The Rays pass through dense material, such as bones and metal. Some types of x-rays need a contrast medium such as IODINE or BARIUM, to get better details of images. This contrast may be used through three different ways, injection, by swallowing the pills, or through enema.

RISK FACTORS

People worry about the side effects of radiation as radiation can cause cell mutations that could lead to cancer. That said, the amount of radiation exposure in x-rays is low, and the benefits from the test are greater than the risks. However, if you are pregnant or believe you may be pregnant, tell your Doctor before having an x-ray. Your Doctor may consider another imaging examination while pregnant, even though the risk of harmful x-ray exposure to an unborn baby is small.

SIDE EFFECTS OF CONTRAST MEDIUM

Patient may or may not feel aftereffects of taking contrast medium, which can be.

1. A feeling of warmth or flushing
2. A lightheadedness
3. Nausia
4. cardiac arrest (in case of severe reaction)
5. Itching
6. Hives
7. Anaphylactic shock (in case of severe reaction)
8. Severe low blood pressure

PREPARATION

Different type of x-rays needs different preparation, but in general, patients need to undress the area of the body that is of concern, and where the x ray will be performed. Examiner will provide the gown. Patient may also require removing of jewelry, eyeglasses or any metal objects, because they can show up on x-rays.

After an x-ray, patients can resume normal activity. Routine x-ray usually has no side effects, but if patient is injected with contrast medium, they may feel a metallic taste, or other mild symptoms. Patients can drink more water and fluids to get rid of the injected contrast medium in the body, if symptoms increase or persist, please call your Doctor.

WHY WE NEED X-RAY

X-ray technology is used to examine many parts of the body, especially in cases of fractures and infections in bones and teeth, because they show up very clearly compared to other kinds of tests for e.g. ultrasound.

Many bone diseases such as Arthritis, Osteoporosis, bone cancer, lung infections or conditions for e.g pneumonia, tuberculosis or lung cancer can be detected with x-ray. Also, we can check breast tissue, enlarged heart, blocked blood vessels by injecting barium or iodine and highlight the area.

RESULTS

X-rays are saved digitally on computers and can be seen within a few minutes on the screen. Radiologist typically view and interpret the results and send the report to patient’s doctor, who can explain the report to the patient.

WHAT IS ULTRASOUND TESTING

An Ultrasound scan uses high frequency soundwaves to receive images of the inside of the body. The terms sonography and ultrasonography are both used to refer to the diagnostic medical procedures that use sound waves to create visual images of internal organs. These images are much like X-rays. But unlike X-ray procedures, ultrasounds and sonograms do not expose patients to radiation.

WHAT CAN ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSE

Doctors commonly use ultrasound to study a developing fetus (unborn baby), a person’s abdominal and pelvic organs, muscles and tendons, or their hearts and blood vessels. Ultrasound is used to create images of soft tissue structures, such as the gallbladder, liver, kidneys, pancreas, bladder, and other organs and parts of the body. Ultrasound can also measure the flow of blood in the arteries to detect blockages. Ultrasound testing is safe and easy to perform.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR ULTRASOUND TEST

Most ultrasound exams require no preparation. However, there are some exceptions: For some scans, such as an abdominal ultrasound, your doctor may ask that you not eat or drink for up to six-eight hours before the exam. Others, such as a pelvic ultrasound, require a full bladder by drinking fluids an hour before the appointment time that you are given, you should not urinate until after the pelvic examination is completed. For full details on preparation, you should always call the ultrasound clinic and ask them what is required for any specific examination.

DRESSING

To perform ultrasound on most areas of the body, you need to remove clothing and change into a gown provided by the clinic. However, certain body areas do not require changing into a gown e.g. Hand, wrist or foot ultrasound.

DURING THE PROCEDURE

A water-based gel is applied to your skin on the area of the body being examined. A trained sonographer presses a hand held transducer against the area of concern and moves around the transducer, as needed to capture images. The transducer sends sound waves into your body, gathers the sound waves that bounce back and sends them to a computer, which generates the images. This water-based gel is easy to remove from skin and clothing.

RESULTS

Ultrasounds are saved digitally on computers and can be seen within a few minutes on the screen. Radiologist typically view and interpret the results and send the report to patient’s doctor, who can explain the report to the patient.

WHAT IS BMD & WHAT CAN IT DIAGNOSE

A BMD test utilizes X-rays to measure how many grams of calcium and other bone minerals, are in a segment of bones. A high bone mineral content equates to denser bones, and the denser your bones, the stronger they generally are and less likely to have fractures. A doctor may order a BMD test if they speculate that your bones are becoming weaker, displaying any symptoms of osteoporosis, to monitor osteoporosis treatment once diagnosed, or to determine your risk of broken bones. Your doctor may also order you to take this test if you have reached the age when preventive screening is necessary.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A BMD TEST

BMD tests are easy, fast, and painless. Some preparation is required such as removing all metal objects from the body, including clothing with metal i.e. Zippers, and buttons, and changing into a gown. Certain medications and vitamin supplements (such as calcium) should be stopped the day of your appointment and can be taken right after your test is completed, for that information please speak to your doctor and the Clinic where you will be doing your testing. If you’ve had an injection of barium or contrast dye for a CT scan or MRI, wait 7 days before making an appointment. Often, you will also need to be Screened by the clinic conducting your BMD testing to insure you are eligible by OHIP and meet their requirements, regardless of a referral by your family physician. We advise calling the clinic before walking in.

DURING THE PROCEDURE

A BMD test is painless and requires no medication. During the test, you lie down on a padded table, while a machine arm passes above you, sending low-dose X-rays through your body which will generate images of your skeleton. This test lasts about 20 minutes.

RESULTS

BMD images are saved digitally on computers and can be seen within a few minutes on the screen. Radiologist typically view and interpret the images and send the report to patient’s doctor, who can explain the report to the patient.

An ambulatory blood pressure monitor is a portable blood pressure recording device that records blood pressure readings at specified times during a 24-hour period. The monitor has an arm cuff attached to the monitor. The monitor is placed in a pouch held by a shoulder strap. This test is usually ordered if a diagnosis of high blood pressure (hypertension) is suspected.

PREPARATION:

• Please call to book an appointment; this test is not covered by OHIP. There is a fee of $50.00 only payable by cash at the time of the appointment.
• You will wear the monitor for 24 hours and cannot bath during that time. Please make sure the device always stays completely dry. The arm cuff inflates every 15 minutes during the daytime and every 30 minutes during bedtime. Caution: This will be quite bothering for some as the cuff will inflate every 15-30 minutes for 24 hours.
• Lastly, you will be asked to return the devices the following day to the reception area at the clinic.

A 2D-echocardiogram is a test that uses ultrasound to produce images of your heart, that show how your cardiac muscles and valves are working. It shows the movement, size, and thickness of the heart’s walls. The test is painless.

PREPARATION:

The only preparation necessary for an echocardiogram is to avoid caffeinated food or drinks like coffee, tea at least 2 hours before your appointment. No other special preparations required.

What is an ECG?

An ECG is referred to as an electrocardiogram. Electrocardiogram records the electrical signals in your heart. It's used to quickly detect heart problems i.e abnormal heart rhythm, coronary artery disease to monitor your heart's health.

What happens during an ECG?

A technician will attach 12 electrodes with adhesive pads to the skin of your chest and limbs and during the test you will lie flat, while a computer creates a picture of the electrical impulses that are moving through your heart. This is a "resting" ECG. It takes about 10 - 15 minutes to attach the electrodes and complete the test, but the actual recording takes only a few seconds.

Preparation

You may be asked to change into a gown before starting the test. If you have hair on the parts of your body where the electrodes need to be placed, the technician may shave the hair so that the patches stick properly. After your ECG is completed, you may resume your regular activities.

Results

A doctor will review the information recorded by the ECG machine and look for any issues with your heart, including:

• Heart rate
• Heart rhythm
• Inadequate blood and oxygen supply to the heart
• Structural abnormalities.

The final report of the ECG will be sent to the referring Physician within a few days after the test and you can follow up with them about the results and further care.

A Holter monitor is a small, lightweight, portable device that records your heart’s rhythmic activity (ECG) continuously as you go about your daily activities. Holter monitors record for 48 to 72 hours or longer depending on the type of monitoring used. Loop monitoring for 14 days can also be performed.

During the period of recording, if you feel symptoms such as chest pain, chest discomfort, palpitations, shortness of breath, the difficulty of breathing, headache, facial flushing or any symptoms, you will be instructed to press a button on the monitor to mark that particular time to review the record in detail by the specialist. You will be provided with a diary sheet to write on those symptoms you had experienced during the monitoring. This sheet should be submitted once the study is completed.

PREPARATION:

If your doctor recommends Holter monitoring, please call the clinic to book an appointment. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, plan to bathe before this appointment. Holter monitors cannot be removed for 48 – 72 hours and must be kept completely dry once monitoring begins. Please do not swim or bath the entire time you are wearing the monitor. If you will be doing Loop monitoring for 14 days, you will be given instructions on how to take off and put on the monitor so that you are able to bath. Please make sure the device stays dry.