MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. An MRI machine uses a powerful magnet, radio waves, and a computer. It does not use radiation or X-rays. The MRI machine takes detailed images that show tissues in your body. These images will help your primary health care provider (family doctor or nurse practitioner) or specialist diagnose your condition. An MRI does not hurt. This pamphlet explains how long an MRI takes, how to get ready for your MRI, what to bring to your appointment, and what will…
During an image-guided core biopsy of the breast, a radiologist (a doctor who specializes in reading medical images like X-rays and ultrasounds) uses a needle to take small tissue samples from your breast. This pamphlet explains why you may need a core biopsy of the breast, how to get ready for this test, how the test is done, and what will happen after the test. Signs of an infection or that the puncture site is not healing well, and information about when you will get your results is included…
During an image-guided core biopsy of the breast, a radiologist (a doctor who specializes in reading medical images like X-rays and ultrasounds) uses a needle to take small tissue samples from your breast. This pamphlet explains what will happen after the test. Topics include controlling pain and/or discomfort, activity, and black dots at the puncture site. Signs of an infection or that the puncture site is not healing well, and information about when you will get your results is included. Cont…
During this special X-ray test, a colourless dye is injected into your blood vessels so that they can be seen on X-ray. An angiogram can be used to X-ray blood vessels in various parts of the body. This pamphlet describes getting ready for the test, how the test is done, and care after the test.
Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) is a test that looks at the arteries that supply blood to your heart. The test is done using a computed tomography (CT) scan machine. This pamphlet explains how to get ready for the test, and what will hapen during and after the test. A map of the QEII Health Sciences Centre is included.
A virtual colonoscopy (VC) is a test used to check the inside lining of the colon for growths called polyps. It is also called a computerized tomography (CT) colonography or CTC. This pamphlet explains how to get ready for a CT VC, including instructions to make sure your bowel is properly cleaned for the test, and what will happen during the test.
X-rays are the most common type of diagnostic imaging test. They can be used to identify a fractured bone, a chest infection, something blocking the bowel, and more. Topics include: who will do the X-ray, how long it will take, what happens during, and what to do if you are pregnant. A list of additional resources is provided.
A fistulogram is a special X-ray. A colourless contrast (X-ray dye) will be injected into your blood vessels using an IV (intravenous line). This dye will help your health care tream see your dialysis access (fistula). The test will take about 15 to 30 minutes. The pamphlet describes getting ready for the X-ray, how the test is done, and care after. Risks and a list of symptoms to watch for are provided.
Diagnostic imaging tests take pictures of the inside of your body. These tests include X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, nuclear medicine scans, ultrasounds, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Topics include: why you may need to have a test, whether you can have a different test that does not use radiation, how much radiation is safe during pregnancy, who will do your test, asking questions, what to do if you refuse to have the test, and what to do if you find out you are pregnant afte…
A fistulogram is a special X-ray. A colourless contrast (X-ray dye) will be injected into your blood vessels using an IV (intravenous line). This dye will help your health care tream see your dialysis access (fistula). The test will take about 15 to 30 minutes. The pamphlet describes getting ready for the X-ray, how the test is done, and care after. Risks and a list of symptoms that require immediate medical attention are given.
A FibroScan® is a scan of your liver to measure how stiff your liver is. It is a painless test which involves a probe being passed over the top right area of your abdomen (tummy). It is similar to an ultrasound scan. Info is included on what to expect before, during, and after your fibroscan. The French version of this pamphlet 2199, "Passer un FibroScan®", is also available.
An ultrasound is a safe, painless test used to view the organs inside your body. It is also called a sonogram. An ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves that cannot be heard. The preparation for this test depends on which organ or area of your body is to be studied. Topics include: how an ultrasound works, how to get ready for the test, where it is done, who will do the test, what will happen, and how long it will take. The French translation of this pamphlet 1105, "Ultrasonoscopie" is als…
Capsule endoscopy is an exam of the digestive tract that involves swallowing a capsule containing a camera and light. How to prepare for the test, as well as what to expect during and after the test are reviewed. Common risks of the test are also provided. The French version of this pamphlet 1854, "Endoscopie par capsule", is also available.
An ultrasound guided percutaneous liver biopsy is used to diagnose abnormal liver tissue. How to get ready for a liver biopsy, and what happens during and after the biopsy is covered. Risks, follow up care, and symptoms requiring a visit to your family doctor or to the Emergency Department are outlined. A list of medications and how long to stop taking them both before and after the biopsy is provided.
A transjugular liver biopsy is used to diagnose abnormal liver tissue. How to get ready for a liver biopsy, and what happens during and after the biopsy is covered. Risks, follow up care, and symptoms requiring a visit to your family doctor or to the Emergency Department are outlined. A list of medications and how long to stop taking them both before and after the biopsy is provided.
An ultrasound guided percutaneous kidney biopsy is used to diagnose abnormal kidney tissue. How to get ready for a kidney biopsy, and what happens during and after the biopsy, is covered. Risks, follow up care, and symptoms requiring a visit to your family doctor or to the Emergency Department are outlined. A list of medications and how long to stop taking them both before and after the biopsy is provided.