Procedures and Preparations

BMD Procedure

• No preparation required. Please contact the DI Department if you had a Nuclear Medicine Scan, Barium Exam or Contrast Injection within the last 2 weeks
• 30 minutes

CT Head

• No preparation required.
• 15 minutes.

CT Head with contrast

• Do not eat or drink 1 hour prior to your test.
• IV Contrast will be injected at time of examination. Consent will be obtained.
• 15 minutes.

CT Abdomen/Pelvis

• Patient may have to pick up oral x-ray contrast any day prior to the exam as per Physician’s directions.
• Do not eat or drink 4 hours prior to your examination.
• IV contrast may be injected at the time of exam. Consent will be obtained.
• 30 minutes.
• Diabetic patient and kidney compromised patients must have blood work results available no earlier than 3 months before appointment date.

CT Spine

• No preparation required.
• 15 minutes

CT Biopsy

• You will be contacted by a nurse prior to your exam that will explain the procedure to you and advise you as to the required preparation.
• Blood work will be done here the morning of the exam.
• 1 hour

CT Chest

• IV contrast may or may not be injected at the time of examination. Do not eat or drink 1 hour prior to your test if having contrast.  Consent will be obtained.
• 15 minutes

CT KUB

• No preparation required.
• 10 minutes

Barium Meal / UGI

• Nothing to eat or drink after midnight, prior to exam
• No smoking or chewing gum prior to exam
• Patient must be able to stand for 10-15 minutes
• 30-45 minutes

Barium Enema

• Follow preparation sheet provided, including clear fluid for 2 days before exam and laxatives to be taken as ordered.
• 1 hour

Small Bowel Follow Through

• Nothing to eat or drink after midnight, prior to exam
• 1-4 hours

Small Bowel Follow Through with pneumocolon

• Follow preparation sheet provided, including clear fluid for 2 days before exam and laxatives to be taken as ordered
• 1-4 hours

Void Cystogram

• Empty bladder before examination
• 1 hour

Joint Injection - including shoulder & hip injection

• No preparation
• 1 hour
• If you are having a lubricant or lubricant/steroid injected, please make sure to fill your prescription beforehand and bring it to your appointment

Femoral/Renal

• Nothing to eat or drink after midnight evening prior to exam. May take a.m. meds with clear fluids.
• Patient is admitted to Day Surgery 2 hours prior to procedure. Approximately 4 hours.

Route: Arm or groin

• Insulin dependent diabetics only should take their insulin with a light breakfast on morning of the procedure.
• Patient is admitted to Day Surgery 2 hours prior to exam.

Biopsy

• You will be contacted by a nurse prior to your exam that will explain the procedure to you and advise you as to the required preparation.
• 1 hour

When you arrive at the hospital, please register at the Women's Imaging Centre, Level One South Tower 100 for your appointment

Breast Biopsy

• The Women's Imaging Centre clerk will contact you for pre-screening prior to your biopsy appointment.  If you have not received a call and are taking blood thinners or aspirin, please call 905-632-4915 to speak with the clerk for pre-screening.  The clerk is available Monday to Friday 0800-1530, if calling outside of this time please leave a voice message for a return call.
• Avoid using powder or deodorant on day of exam.
• 1 hour

Breast Seed Placement

• Avoid using powder or deodorant on day of exam
• 45 minutes

Breast Tissue Marker Placement

• Avoid using powder or deodorant on day of exam
• 45 minutes

OBSP or Screening Mammography 

• Avoid using powder or deodorant on day of exam
• 15 minutes

Routine Mammography

• Avoid using powder or deodorant on day of exam
• 30 minutes

Head

• No preparation
• 20-40 minutes

Spine

• No preparation
• 20-60 minutes

Abdomen (Liver/Pancreas/Kidneys)

• Nothing to eat or drink 4 hours prior to procedure
• You will require an injection of contrast during the study
• 45 minutes

Pelvis

• Nothing to eat or drink 4 hours prior to procedure
• 45 minutes

** Please note - We may not be able to perform MRI if you have a Pacemaker, Brain Aneurysm clip, Cochlear Implant or Neuro-Stimulator ** - these items will require additional safety screening.

You may require an injection of MRI contrast (Gadolinium) at which time consent would be obtained.

If patient has a history of eye injury involving metal, xrays may be required.

If claustrophobic, please speak to your referring physician to obtain a possible oral sedative and have a responsible adult to accompany you to your appointment.

• For all procedures please bring a list of your current medications and supplements with you.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding please inform your physician before proceeding to your Nuclear Medicine Appointment.
• A technologist will explain your test to you in detail upon your arrival.
• Injections are given by using a vein in your arm.
• Pictures are taken lying down on our imaging bed.
• You will be able to drive and return to work after our procedures.

Nuclear Medicine

Bone scan

• No preparation
• 2 visits required on the same day.
• 1st visit: 15 minutes, injection.
• 2nd visit: 45-75 minutes required.
• You will return 2-3 hours after first visit for pictures of your bones.
• You may leave hospital between 1st and 2nd visit.

Biliary Scan (Gallbladder)

• Nothing to eat or drink for 4 hours prior to test
• Up to 2 visits required.
• 1st visit: 60-90 minutes.
• 2nd visit: if required
• Injection and pictures of your gallbladder.
• The technologist will discuss with you if a second visit is required.

Myocardial Perfusion Scan (Cardiac Scan)

• Nothing to eat for 4 hours prior.
• No caffeine products for 24 hours prior (coffee, tea, chocolate, pop).
• Please follow your doctor's instructions regarding your medications; you may use water to take these medications.
• If you are diabetic please contact us at 905-336-4101.
• Up to 2 visits required.
• 1st visit: 2-4 hours.
• 2nd visit approx. 25 minutes
• Injection and scan. Your doctor has ordered a stress test for you; this will be done by treadmill exercise or with use of a medication.
• A second visit may be required. At this time another scan will be performed lasting approximately 25 minutes.

Cardiac Wall Motion (RNA or Muga Scan)

• No preparation
• One visit: 60 minutes
• Injection administered and pictures of your heart are taken

Gallium Scan

• No preparation
• 1st visit: 15 minutes.
• 2nd visit: 2 hours.
• Injection.
• Scan, the second visit takes place two days after the injection.

White Blood Cell Scan (Infection Imaging)

• Please ensure that a clean dressing is applied to your wound for each day of your test.
• Your test will take place over 2 consecutive days.
• 1st visit: 30 minutes
• 2nd visit: 15 minutes
• 3rd visit: 30 minutes
• 4th visit: 30 minutes
• Blood sample is withdrawn from a vein in your arm, allow 30 minutes.
• Approximately 3 hours later an injection is given into a vein in your arm, 15 minutes.
• Approximately 3 hours later pictures are taken of the area of concern, 30-40 minutes.
• The next morning more pictures are taken of the area of concern, 30-40 minutes.

Liver Spleen Scan

• No preparation
• One visit - Up to 90 minutes.
• An injection is given and pictures are taken of your liver and spleen.

Liver Scan for Hemangioma

• No preparation
• 1st visit: Up to 60 minutes.
• 2nd visit: 60 minutes
• A blood sample is taken and labeled with a radioactive tracer.
• Your blood sample is re-injected into a vein in your arm and pictures are taken of your liver.
• 2 hours after the injection is given you will return for more pictures.
• You may eat and drink in-between, you may leave the hospital.

Lung Scan

• No preparation
• One visit - Up to 2 hours
• You may be asked to have a chest x-ray prior to your appointment.
• Pictures are taken of your lungs after inhalation of a radioactive aerosol.
• A second set of pictures are taken of your lungs after an injection is given into a vein in your arm.
• You will be asked to wait while a radiologist reviews your pictures.

Parathyroid Scan

• No preparation
• 1st visit: Up to 60 minutes.
• 2nd visit: 15 minutes.
• An injection is given into a vein in your arm.
• Pictures will then be taken of your parathyroid gland located in your neck area.
• 3 hours after your injection you will return for more pictures.
• You may eat and drink in-between, you may leave the hospital.

Renal Scan (Kidney Scan)

• Please drink 2 glasses of water one hour prior to your appointment.
• You do NOT have to arrive with a full bladder.
• One visit - Up to 2 hours
• An injection is given into a vein in your arm.
• Pictures are taken of your kidneys.
• You may be given a medication during your test called Lasix.
• This allows us to do further imaging of your kidneys.

Renal Scan with Captopril

• Please drink 2 glasses of water one hour prior to your appointment.
• You do NOT have to arrive with a full bladder.
• Please call us if you are taking blood pressure medications, 905-336-4101.
• One visit - Up to 2 1/2 hours.
• A technologist will call you to discuss your appointment prior to your arrival.

Thyroid Uptake and Scan

• Please follow your doctors instructions regarding all of your medications, if unsure please contact your doctor’s office.
• Please do not eat or drink for 2 hours prior to your 1st appointment.
• 1st visit: 15 minutes.
• 2nd visit: 30 minutes
• Your test will take place over two visits on two consecutive days.
• You will be given a small drink that will take overnight to absorb into your thyroid.
• We use this drink to take pictures of your thyroid.

Abdominal Ultrasound

When you arrive at the hospital, please register at Ambulatory Care Registration, Level One North Tower 600 for your appointment

Morning Appointment - Nothing to eat or drink 12 hours prior to the procedure.

Afternoon Appointment - Breakfast at 8:00 a.m.

Evening Appointment - Nothing to eat or drink after 1 p.m.

*If kidney assessment, drink 32 oz. of water and you must be finished drinking 1 hour before scheduled appointment time.  Do not empty bladder.

• 30 minutes

Abdomen & Pelvis Ultrasound

When you arrive at the hospital, please register at Ambulatory Care Registration, Level One North Tower 600 for your appointment

Morning Appointment - Nothing to eat or drink 12 hours prior to the procedure.

Afternoon Appointment - Breakfast at 8:00 a.m.

Evening Appointment - Nothing to eat or drink after 1 p.m.

• Drink 32 oz. of water and you must be finished drinking 1 hour before scheduled appointment time
• Do not empty bladder.
• *Children under 10 years of age should only drink 16 oz. of water and must be finished drinking 1 hour before scheduled appointment time
• 45 minutes

Biophysical Profile Ultrasound

When you arrive at the hospital, please register at Ambulatory Care Registration, Level One North Tower 600 for your appointment

• Eat prior to appointment
• Drink 16 oz. of water and you must be finished drinking 1 hour before scheduled appointment time
• Do not empty bladder
• 30 minutes

Breast Ultrasound

When you arrive at the hospital, please register at the Women's Imaging Centre, Level One South Tower 100 for your appointment

• No preparation
• 30 minutes

Breast Biopsy

When you arrive at the hospital, please register at the Women's Imaging Centre, Level One South Tower 100 for your appointment

• The Women's Imaging Centre clerk will contact you for pre-screening prior to your biopsy appointment.  If you have not received a call and are taking blood thinners or aspirin, please call 905-632-4915 to speak with the clerk for pre-screening.  The clerk is available Monday to Friday 0800-1530, if calling outside of this time please leave a voice message for a return call
• 1 hour

Breast Seed Placement

When you arrive at the hospital, please register at the Women's Imaging Centre, Level One South Tower 100 for your appointment

• Avoid using powder or deodorant on day of exam.
• 45 minutes

Breast Tissue Marker Placement

When you arrive at the hospital, please register at the Women's Imaging Centre, Level One South Tower 100 for your appointment

• Avoid using powder or deodorant on day of exam.
• 45 minutes

Doppler Ultrasound - Carotid

When you arrive at the hospital, please register at Ambulatory Care Registration, Level One North Tower 600 for your appointment

• Do not wear necklaces or earrings to your appointment
• 30 minutes

Doppler Ultrasound - Venous Legs

When you arrive at the hospital, please register at Ambulatory Care Registration, Level One North Tower 600 for your appointment

• No preparation
• 30 minutes

Doppler Ultrasound - Arterial Legs and ABI

When you arrive at the hospital, please register at Ambulatory Care Registration, Level One North Tower 600 for your appointment

• No preparation
• 1 hour

Doppler Ultrasound - Venous Arms

When you arrive at the hospital, please register at Ambulatory Care Registration, Level One North Tower 600 for your appointment

• No preparation
• 30 minutes

Extremity Ultrasound - Axilla, Groin and Soft Tissue

When you arrive at the hospital, please register at Ambulatory Care Registration, Level One North Tower 600 for your appointment

• No preparation
• 30 minutes

Kidneys/Ureter/Bladder Ultrasound

When you arrive at the hospital, please register at Ambulatory Care Registration, Level One North Tower 600 for your appointment

Morning Appointment - Nothing to eat or drink 12 hours prior to the procedure.

Afternoon Appointment - Breakfast at 8:00 a.m.

Evening Appointment - Nothing to eat or drink after 1 p.m.

• Drink 32 oz. of water and you must be finished drinking 1 hour before scheduled appointment time
• Do not empty bladder.
• *Children under 10 years of age should only drink 16 oz. of water and must be finished drinking 1 hour before scheduled appointment time
• 30 minutes

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound - Achilles, Biceps, Distal Biceps and Shoulder

When you arrive at the hospital, please register at Ambulatory Care Registration, Level One North Tower 600 for your appointment

• No preparation
• 30 minutes

Neck Ultrasound

When you arrive at the hospital, please register at Ambulatory Care Registration, Level One North Tower 600 for your appointment

• Do not wear necklaces or earrings to your appointment
• 30 minutes

Neonatal Brain or Spine Ultrasound 

When you arrive at the hospital, please register at Ambulatory Care Registration, Level One North Tower 600 for your appointment

• No preparation
• 30 minutes

Pelvic and Early Pregnancy Ultrasound

When you arrive at the hospital, please register at Ambulatory Care Registration, Level One North Tower 600 for your appointment

• Regular diet
• Drink 32 oz. of water and you must be finished drinking 1 hour before scheduled appointment time
• Do not empty bladder.
• Children under 10 years of age should only drink 16 oz. of water and must be finished drinking 1 hour before scheduled appointment time
• 30 minutes

Prostate Biopsy

When you arrive at the hospital, please register at Ambulatory Care Registration, Level One North Tower 600 for your appointment

Please speak with your urologist for your instructions

Dr. Allard (905) 635-8103

Dr. Jansz (905) 681-3030

Dr. Sowery (905) 637-3900

Second Trimester Pregnancy (Anatomy) Ultrasound

When you arrive at the hospital, please register at Ambulatory Care Registration, Level One North Tower 600 for your appointment

•  Regular Diet
• Please drink 16 oz. of water and you must be finished drinking 1 hour before scheduled appointment time
• Do not empty bladder
• 1 hour

Thyroid Biopsy

When you arrive at the hospital, please register at Ambulatory Care Registration, Level One North Tower 600 for your appointment

If patient is taking blood thinners or aspirin, they will need to call 905-632-3730 ext. 1349 and speak with a radiology nurse for their pre-screening interview.  Nurses are available Monday to Friday 0900-1600.  The patient may leave a message for the nurse to return their call should they reach the answering machine

• Do not wear necklaces or earrings to your appointment
• 45 minutes

Thyroid Ultrasound

When you arrive at the hospital, please register at Ambulatory Care Registration, Level One North Tower 600 for your appointment

• Do not wear necklaces or earrings to your appointment
• 30 minutes