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NOTICE:

As we prepare for the construction of the CT unit at AGH, there will be some temporary changes to our operations starting this Friday April 19th, which marks the beginning of this construction.

X-Ray Services:

The X-ray room will remain operational and unchanged however, volumes may be higher than normal and thus may affect walk-in wait times.

Ultrasound Services:

An ultrasound room will be set up temporarily just outside the main lobby.  We are moving closer to having renovations complete to move ultrasound into its new permanent location in the very near future.  Please note that during this transition period, patients needing X-ray and ultrasound services will still register via the Emergency entrance.  Patients will remain in the ER waiting room starting from Friday April 19th until the end of construction. We are committed to making this transition as smooth as possible for both our team and our patients.

We will keep you updated with any further developments and changes as we progress through this transition. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this time.

Diagnostic Imaging 

The Diagnostic Imaging Department is located to the right of the Emergency waiting room. It provides a range of exams including:

  • X-ray
  • Ultrasound
  • ECGs

 

A requisition will be faxed to our central booking department who will call to arrange your appointment. The booking department hours are 8 AM to 4 PM Monday to Friday.  

 

When you arrive for your appointment, please report to the Registration desk at the Emergency entrance. (E)

 

Have your OHIP card ready (or other provincial health card). If you are unable to keep your appointment, please notify the Diagnostic Imaging Department as soon as possible. 613-256-2500 ext. 2232.

 

X-Ray Services

If your primary care provider has given you your requisition to be a walk-in patient, please remember that you may have a waiting period as Emergency and booked patients will take precedence.  Walk-in hours are 8-6pm, Mon-Thurs and 9-3pm on Fri, and weekends.

 

How Do I Prepare for an X-ray? 

Wear clothing that is easy to remove. Do not wear jewelry. Please report to registration 10 to 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time.

 

Ultrasound

What is an Ultrasound?

During an ultrasound procedure, equipment sends sound - at a frequency that cannot be heard by the human ear - into specific parts of the body. The sound reflects at different frequencies, which are analyzed by a computer and turned into an image of the part of the body being examined.

 

If You Need an Ultrasound

You must have an appointment for an ultrasound exam. Booking clerks will call you to arrange this. 

Preparing for an Abdominal Examination (liver, aorta, pancreas, spleen, gallbladder, kidneys)

Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before your examination. Do not smoke or chew gum. If you need to take medication, take it with a small amount of water. If you are an insulin-dependent diabetic and are asked to miss breakfast, take half your normal dose of insulin. If you must miss any other meal, contact your doctor for further instructions.

 

Preparing for an Abdominal and Pelvic Examination

Do not eat. Finish drinking 40 oz./ 1 litre of water one hour before your appointment time. Do not empty your bladder after drinking the water until after your test. If your bladder becomes too uncomfortable, you may pass a small amount of urine to relieve the pressure. If your bladder is not full at the time of your test you may have to reschedule.

If you need to take medication, take it with a small amount of water. If you are an insulin-dependent diabetic and are asked to miss breakfast, take half your normal dose of insulin. If you must miss any other meal, contact your doctor for further instructions.

 

Preparing for an Obstetric or Pelvic Examination

This test can only be done if the bladder if full. Eat normally. Finish drinking 40 oz./ 1 litre of water one hour before your appointment time. Do not empty your bladder after drinking the water until after your test. If your bladder becomes too uncomfortable, you may pass a small amount of urine to relieve the pressure. If your bladder is not full at the time of your test you may have to reschedule.

Expectant mothers who undergo an ultrasound can purchase a still image of an ultrasound of their baby for a $10 fee.

All Other Ultrasound Tests

There are no restrictions on food or drink.

After the Test

Return to your normal diet and (if applicable) insulin routine.

 

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

For an ECG you will be asked to change into a hospital gown then you will lie down, and electrodes will be attached to your chest arms and legs. A standard ECG will take a few minutes, breathe normally, and lie still. The electrodes will record the impulses that make your heartbeat and will be recorded by a computer and displayed as waves on a monitor. The ECG will be transmitted to Merivale Medical where it will be analyzed by a Cardiologist and the final report will be sent to the ordering doctor.

 

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