We collect basic website visitor information on this website and store it in cookies. We also utilize Google Analytics to track page view information to assist us in improving our website.
We collect basic website visitor information on this website and store it in cookies. We also utilize Google Analytics to track page view information to assist us in improving our website.
A medical radiation technologist (MRT) is a qualified regulated professional who uses ionizing radiation energy to produce diagnostic images. An MRT has extensive knowledge in anatomy, physiology, pathology, radiation biology and protection, physics and imaging along with basic nursing and first aid skills. MRT’s must be an active member in good standing with the College of Medical Radiation Imaging Technologists of Ontario (CMRITO) and must adhere to the standard scope of practice as set out by this provincial governing board.
You will not feel anything during the exposure. It is like having your picture taken with a regular camera.
In many cases, wearing a gown is necessary to optimize image quality. Items such as metal zippers, keys, coins, plastic buttons, folds of clothing, wallets, cards, etc. can obscure the image or cover up pertinent medical information. Depending on what area of the body has been requested to be examined, you may be asked to wear a patient gown.
Diagnostic levels of ionizing radiation to obtain medical images are not considered harmful. If your doctor has prescribed this exam to aid in the diagnoses of your injury or disease, he or she has determined that the benefit of obtaining this information outweighs the low risk of possible harmful effects that may be induced. When in doubt, speak to your doctor. You do have the right to refuse the x-ray examination.
The amount of radiation received in a diagnostic exam will be much less than the national acceptable doses for entrance exposures. In Ontario, strict guidelines and regulations are closely followed for all Imaging facilities and a qualified MRT ensures patient safety and protection remain intact. StL Diagnostic Imaging protocols follow the ALARA principle for ionizing radiation exposure. This means that our imaging systems are efficient to allow for exposures that are as low as reasonably achievable and still acquire excellent quality diagnostic images.
An embryo is a rapidly developing, cell dividing system which makes it highly sensitive to radiation, especially in the first trimester. A significant dose exposure to an embryo could increase the risk of congenital (existing from birth) abnormalities by 1% of the natural incidence. It is proven that radiation in utero is harmful but it should be noted that the probability of this occurrence is small.
If you are pregnant, think that you may be pregnant, or are trying to become pregnant, PLEASE notify the technologist prior to your exam. That way, an informed assessment can be made of your specific circumstances to determine any risk to the unborn child. If it is decided the risk is high, then you may be asked to reschedule the exam to a future date.
Dose limits have been defined for radiation workers and the general population by the government, but there is no specific permissible level recommended for patients having diagnostic procedures. The risk must always be compared to the medical necessity for an accurate diagnosis. There is no minimum or maximum number of x-rays allowed within one year or accumulative in a lifetime.
A physician, registered nurse practitioner in the extended class, dentist, chiropractor, designated chiropodist or an osteopath can order an x-ray or ultrasound. A registered nurse may complete the order implementing a medical directive. In this case, the RN completes the requisition form, includes his or her signature, the name of the physician responsible for the care of the patient and reference to the specific medical directive.
Yes. If you do, please inform the physician who has ordered the exam, as it may determine the course of your treatment.
At StL, “Verbals” mean your examination has been flagged in our system as urgent. It is our protocol to communicate significant medical findings (positive verbal) to the RN or physician who is managing your care. As soon as the images are interpreted by our radiologist, urgent medical results are entered into our reporting queue and a person from our team calls directly. This significantly improves the timing and quality of patient care. The radiology report is generated and faxed within 24 hours.