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Diagnostic Imaging Exams
Q:What is Ultrasound?
Ultrasound technology is the application of high frequency sound waves to produce diagnostic images. These images can be used in both a diagnostic and therapeutic manner. Ultrasound technology is a safe and painless way to examine different tissues of the body. A small device like a microphone called a transducer, sends and receives sound waves that are stored in the machine. The sound waves are analyzed and recorded as a graphic image. Doppler studies use the same ultrasound application to display motion in an audio (continuous wave Doppler), visual (colour doppler) or graphical (pulsed wave Doppler) form. This is useful in the study of arteries and veins to direct blood flow.
Q: Are ultrasound exams harmful?
For the purpose of medical diagnostic imaging, the sound waves produced by ultrasound equipment are not harmful when properly applied. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers ensure the ALARA principle (as low as reasonably achievable) is followed to limit exposure to what is required to obtain the image. Ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation such as is required for x-ray.
Q: What is a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?
A diagnostic medical sonographer is a qualified regulated professional who uses sound wave energy to produce diagnostic images. The images are interpreted by a qualified physician, such as a radiolologist, to diagnose a variety of medical conditions. Sonographers have been trained for knowledge in anatomy, physiology, pathology with an aptitude for identifying structures and abnormalities within the soft tissues of the body, blood vessels and organs. Bound by legislation, all praticing sonographers in Ontario are in good standing with the regulatory body of the College of Medical Radiation Technologists of Ontario (CMRITO). This governing body regulates a standard scope of practice that all professionals must adhere to, requiring continuing education and ensures an ethical code of conduct is followed.
Q: How do I prepare for my exam?
There are two barriers in producing good quality ultrasound exam images-gas and bone. Contrary to common beliefs, fat is not the main barrier. Sound waves require an appropriate medium to travel through. Air is not considered a medium and therefore blocks the path of the ultrasound beam resulting in a poor image. Bone is a dense, solid medium, however too dense to penetrate and therefore cannot be used to diagnose bone disorders. Liquid is a good conductor and that is why gel is applied to the skin externally. In this manner the beam from the probe, transmits without interference of barriers.
In order to produce good quality images, the patient is required to fast for at least 8 hours prior to the exam if an abdominal exam has been ordered. This includes chewing gum. The preparation is designed to reduce the amount of gas content in the abdomen. Drinking a small amount of water with medication will not affect the image quality. See our section on exam prep for more information.
Q: Why do I have to drink water before the exam?
The type of ultrasound determines if water needs to be consumed beforehand. If the exam is for pelvis, 40 ounces (1 L) of water is required to be drank at least one hour prior without voiding. A full bladder serves as a window to see neighbouring organs of interest such as uterus, ovaries or prostate. Once the technologist has identified these areas, you will be instructed to empty your bladder and return to finish the imaging. Please do not empty your bladder before the sonographer has instructed you to do so.
Q: Why do I have to fast for an ultrasound?
Certain abdominal ultrasound exams require fasting for at least 8 hours prior to your exam. This reduces the amount of gas in the abdomen (which obstructs visualization). Eating triggers gastric motility and causes the gall bladder to contract, preventing visualization of abnormalities, such as gall stones.
Q: When will I get the results of my ultrasound?
The results can be immediately called to your doctor if required. Any urgent findings will be called directly as per our urgent medical findings management protocol. The final report will be faxed to your doctor within 24-48 hours.
Q: Will the sonographer discuss the results?
Sonographers are not permitted to discuss the results with the patient. The results of the examination will be sent to your doctor who will then discuss the findings with you.
Q: What is a Medical Radiation Technologist?
A medical radiation technologist (MRT) is a qualified regulated professional who uses ionizing radiation energy to produce diagnostic images. These images are interpreted by a qualified physician, such as a radiologist, to diagnose a variety of medical conditions. An MRT has extensive knowledge in anatomy, physiology, pathology, radiation biology and protection, physics and imaging along with basic nursing and first aid skills. Bound by legislation, all practicing MRT’s in Ontario 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. This includes continuing education as well as ensures an ethical code of conduct is followed.
Q: Do X-rays hurt?
You will not feel anything during the exposure. It is like having your picture taken with a regular camera.
Q: Do I have to wear a patient gown?
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.
Q: Are X-rays harmful?
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.
Q: Who can order a diagnostic exam?
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.
Q: Can I refuse a diagnostic examination?
Yes. If you do, please inform the physician who has ordered the exam, as it may determine the course of your treatment.
Q: Why does StL Diagnostic Phone “Verbals” instead of just faxing the report?
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.