Prepare For An Appointment

Ultrasound (Diagnostic)

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PATIENT PREPARATION

  • Dress comfortably, with loose, easy to remove, clothing.
  • You may be asked to change into a gown.
  • Jewelry will have to be removed from the region of interest.
  • Preparation for each exam is found below. Specific preparation for pediatric patients will be given at the time of booking.
  • Varying ultrasounds require more specific preparation instruction. For full details, download our detailed ultrasound preparation sheet.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR EXAM

  • Once you have checked in at the front desk, you’ll be taken back to a change room.
  • You may be asked to change into a gown and remove jewelry, depending on what kind of exam you are having.
  • You can take your belongings into the exam room with you.
  • The sonographer (ultrasound technologist) will ask you a series of questions relevant to the exam being done and then explain the procedure.
  • Most exams are done with you laying on an ultrasound bed, although your position may vary depending on the area being examined.
  • The sonographer will put a small amount of ultrasound gel on the area of interest and then use an ultrasound transducer (probe) to acquire images. In order to obtain good quality images, it may be necessary to apply some pressure with the probe.
  • If Doppler is used during your exam, you will hear sounds when the Doppler is activated.
  • Both still and moving images will be recorded and various measurements taken.
  • The data will be reviewed by a radiologist after the exam is completed.

AFTER YOUR EXAM

  • You will be free to go.

Preparing For Your Appointment

Exams related to infertility and IVF are private pay

Referrals are necessary for all bookings

Exam Duration: 30 – 60mins

  • Double the time for twin pregnancies

Prenatal Ultrasound

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PATIENT PREPARATION

  • Dress comfortably, with loose, easy to remove, clothing.
  • You may be asked to change into a gown.
  • Jewelry will have to be removed from the region of interest.
  • Preparation for each exam is found below. Specific preparation for pediatric patients will be given at the time of booking.
  • You may eat and take medications as usual prior to your exam.
  • You are required to have a full bladder for this exam. Have 1000 ml (4 cups) of water completed 1 hour prior to your appointment time and DO NOT empty your bladder. Once the initial images of your full bladder are taken, you’ll be able to empty.
  • If endovaginal imaging is required, you’ll be asked to empty your bladder prior to the additional endovaginal imaging.
  • Specifically for Combined First Trimester Screen (FTS or Nuchal)
    • Your weight will be taken and you will be asked a series of questions related to your pregnancy history.
    • Following the ultrasound exam, you will be given a lab requisition to have your blood drawn the same day.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR EXAM

  • Once you have checked in at the front desk, you’ll be taken back to a change room.
  • You may be asked to change into a gown and remove jewelry, depending on what kind of exam you are having.
  • You can take your belongings into the exam room with you.
  • The sonographer (ultrasound technologist) will ask you a series of questions relevant to the exam being done and then explain the procedure.
  • Most exams are done with you laying on an ultrasound bed, although your position may vary depending on the area being examined.
  • The sonographer will put a small amount of ultrasound gel on the area of interest and then use an ultrasound transducer (probe) to acquire images. In order to obtain good quality images, it may be necessary to apply some pressure with the probe.
  • If Doppler is used during your exam, you will hear sounds when the Doppler is activated.
  • Both still and moving images will be recorded and various measurements taken.
  • The data will be reviewed by a radiologist after the exam is completed.

AFTER YOUR EXAM

  • You will be free to go.

Preparing For Your Appointment

Exams related to infertility and IVF are private pay

Referrals are necessary for all bookings

Exam Duration: 30 – 60mins

  • Double the time for twin pregnancies

Echocardiography

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PATIENT PREPARATION

  • Dress comfortably, with loose easy to remove clothing.
  • You may eat and take medications as usual prior to your exam.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR EXAM

  • Once you have checked in at the front desk, you’ll be taken back to change.
  • You will be given a gown and asked to disrobe from the waist up.
  • Your weight and height will be taken prior to your exam.
  • Once on the ultrasound bed, your blood pressure will be taken and adhesive electrodes applied to your chest to monitor and record electrocardiogram (ECG) signals.
  • The exam is done with you laying on your left side. The sonographer (ultrasound technologist) will put a small amount of ultrasound gel on your chest and then use an ultrasound transducer (probe) to acquire still and moving images of your heart. In order to obtain good quality images, it is necessary to apply some pressure to your chest with the probe.
  • You will hear sounds when the sonographer activates the Doppler portion of the study.
  • Images of your heart will be recorded and various measurements taken.
  • The data will be reviewed by a radiologist after the exam is completed.

AFTER YOUR EXAM

  • You will be free to go.

Preparing For Your Appointment

Referrals are necessary for all bookings 

Exam Duration: 45 – 60min

Mammography

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PATIENT PREPARATION

  • Dress comfortably, with loose, easy to remove, clothing.
  • No deodorants, antiperspirants, lotions or powders.
  • When you are booking your exam, please tell us of any prior breast imaging you have had.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR EXAM

  • You will be checked in at the front desk and taken to the mammography waiting room.
  • A technologist will come and call you by name and take you into a mammography exam room.
  • She will go over a questionnaire with you. If you have been in before, she will update the information that we already have. If it is your first visit, she will ask you questions and fill out the entire form.
  • The technologist will go over the exam with you and explain what she is going to do. You will be asked to undress from the waist up, and provided with a gown if you choose one.
  • Once the exam is complete, you will either be told that you can get dressed and go home, or you will be given a gown and be asked to have a seat in the waiting room while the technologist checks the images. You may need further imaging at the radiologist’s discretion

AFTER YOUR EXAM

  • If you had a screening mammogram, it is possible that you will be recalled for further imaging and we will call you directly using the phone number you have given us at the time of booking.
  • As part of a province wide mandate from the Alberta Cancer Board, CAMIS will send “results letters” directly to all screening patients.
  • You will be sent a reminder postcard at the appropriate interval for your next mammogram.

Preparing For Your Appointment

Referrals are necessary for all bookings: (Excluding screening patients aged 45 – 75)

Screening Exam Duration: 10 – 30mins

Diagnostic Exam Duration: 30 – 60mins

Pain Management

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PATIENT PREPARATION

  • For all EPIDURAL injections, blood thinners (Warfarin, Coumadin, Plavix, Aspirin, Eliquis etc.) must be discontinued for 5 days prior to your injection, but only after your physician has provided written approval, post consultation.
  • Antibiotic cycles must have been completed for 10 days prior to pain management injections.
  • Pain management injections should be performed at least 48 hours post vaccination or flu shot, or if possible postpone the vaccination/flu shot to the day after.
  • Pain medications with the exception of narcotics, should be discontinued at midnight, the evening prior to your injection.
  • Having a snack before your appointment is encouraged.
  • Arrive 30 minutes before your appointment time.
  • You should be accompanied by a driver, but if this is not possible, you will be asked to remain in the department for 15-30 minutes post injection.
  • Additional instructions will be given at time of booking.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR EXAM

  • When you arrive at CAMIS, you will check in at reception.
  • One of our pain management technologists will review your history and complete a consent form for you to sign.
  • You will be taken into the exam room and positioned on a diagnostic bed.
  • The radiologist will be called into the room and will review relevant imaging and documentation.
  • The radiologist will perform the injection with image guidance, injecting a small amount of either steroid or dextrose and anaesthetic.
  • Once the procedure is complete you may be asked to wait for 15-30 minutes.
  • Instructions will be given at time of booking.

AFTER YOUR EXAM

  • Depending on the procedure, you will receive a Pain Diary to fill out. This exercise helps the referring physician assess the success of the procedure.
  • CAMIS does not provide any follow up evaluation.
  • You should contact your referring physician to discuss next steps with respect to the plan of management and to discuss possible repeat injections if required./li>

Preparing For Your Appointment

Referrals are necessary for all bookings.

Exam Duration: 30 – 45min

Nuclear Medicine

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PATIENT PREPARATION

  • All Scans
    • Dress comfortably, with loose easy to remove clothing.
    • Avoid clothing with metal fasteners and zippers.
  • Bone Scan
    • Drink 500 ml (2 cups) of water just prior to your appointment time. You may empty your bladder.
    • If you have renal impairment DO NOT drink additional fluids. You may empty your bladder.
    • You will receive an injection of a radioactive tracer and be asked to return anywhere from 2½ to 4 hours after the injection.
    • When you return, imaging takes 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete.
  • HIDA Scan
    • Do not eat or drink a minimum of 4 hours prior to your appointment time.
    • At the time of booking you may be asked to discontinue some medications.
    • You will receive an injection of radioactive tracer and images will be taken over a period of time.
    • This exam usually takes 1½ to 2 hours to complete, but on occasion can take up to 4 hours.
  • MUGA Scan
    • There is no special preparation for this exam.
    • You will receive 2 injections, with a 20-30 minute waiting period between them.
    • Imaging begins after the second injection and usually takes 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete.
  • Parathyroid Scan
    • There is no special preparation for this exam.
    • Please inform us if you have had prior surgery in the neck area.
    • You will receive an injection of a radioactive tracer. The first set of images are taken shortly after the injection.
    • The second set of images are taken approximately 2 hours after the injection.
    • Each set of images can take up to 1¼ hours.
    • Total time to complete the exam is about 3 hours.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR EXAM

  • You will check in at the reception area in the basement. (Access north side of the building).
  • A technologist will call you by name and take you to the nuclear medicine department.
  • The technologist will ask you a series of questions relevant to the exam being done.
  • The technologist will explain the procedure and the timing of your exam.<

AFTER YOUR EXAM

  • You will be free to go.

Preparing For Your Appointment

Referrals are necessary for all bookings

Bone Mineral Densitometry (BMD)

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PATIENT PREPARATION

  • Do not take calcium or vitamin supplements the day of the exam.
  • You cannot have had an x-ray procedure using barium or dye in the 7 days leading up to your exam.
  • You cannot have a BMD if you are under 18 or are pregnant.
  • Wear loose fitting clothing, with no metal (including underwire) or you may be asked to change into a gown.
  • Fasting is not required.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR EXAM

  • When you arrive, you will be asked to fill out a short questionnaire.
  • Your height and weight will be taken.
  • The technologist will explain the exam, and have you lie on your back on the table.
  • You will be required to hold very still during the exam.

AFTER YOUR EXAM

  • After a BMD you will be free to go.
  • Your doctor can be contacted after 1 week, for the results.

Preparing For Your Appointment

Referrals are necessary for all bookings 

Exam Duration: 15min

MRI (Private)

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PATIENT PREPARATION

  • You can not have an MRI if you have a pacemaker or certain surgically implanted devices.
  • Our MRI booking specialist will review an MRI safety screening form with you. Inform our MRI booking specialist if there is a chance of pregnancy.
  • Take all medications as necessary.
  • 4 hour fasting is required for all abdominal and pelvic studies.
  • Wear loose comfortable clothing with no metal or zippers.
  • You may be asked to change into a gown.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR EXAM

  • The technologist will review the MRI safety screening form prior to entering the scan room.
  • Depending on the type of exam, you may need an intravenous line started for injection of contrast media.
  • After you are positioned on the table you will be given a headset to both listen to music and communicate with the technologist.
  • You will be required to hold very still during the exam.
  • There will be loud “banging” sounds as the images are obtained.
  • You may feel warm during the procedure which is completely normal.

AFTER YOUR EXAM

  • You will be free to go.

Preparing For Your Appointment

Referrals are necessary for all bookings 

Exam Duration: 15 – 45mins

CT Scans (Private)

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PATIENT PREPARATION

  • Inform our CT booking specialist if there is a chance of pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding.
  • Wear loose comfortable clothing with no metal or zippers.
  • You may be asked to change into a gown For CT scans without contrast there is no special preparation.
  • For contrast CT scans our CT booking specialist will review all preparation requirements with you.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR EXAM

  • The technologist will review your medical history as it pertains to the CT scan.
  • If you are having a CT scan with contrast the technologist will start an IV that is used to administer the contrast. You will be given information about the contrast injection.
  • You are positioned on the imaging table and will be asked to hold still, there may be instructions related to breathing.
  • There is always an intercom on to allow communication with the technologist.

AFTER YOUR EXAM

  • You will be given a CD of your images. This may take 15-20 minutes to be prepared. Then you are free to go.

Preparing For Your Appointment

Referrals are necessary for all bookings 

Exam Duration: 15 – 45 minutes

Body Mass Composition Scan (BMC)

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PATIENT PREPARATION

  • Do not take calcium or vitamin supplements the day of the exam.
  • You cannot have had an x-ray procedure using barium or dye in the 7 days leading up to your exam.
  • You cannot have a BMC if you are under 18 or are pregnant.
  • Wear loose fitting clothing, with no metal (including underwire) or you may be asked to change into a gown.
  • Fasting is required for 12 hours before your appointment.
  • No exercise or alcohol for 24 hours beforehand.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR EXAM

  • You will be asked to empty your bladder.
  • Your height and weight will be taken.
  • The technologist will explain the exam, and have you lie on your back on the table.
  • You will be required to hold very still during the exam.

AFTER YOUR EXAM

  • After a BMC, the technologists will print your results and go over them with you before you leave.
  • No information will be forwarded to your referring doctor.

Preparing For Your Appointment

Referrals are necessary for all bookings 

Exam Duration: 15min

Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy

BREAST BIOPSY PREP SHEET PROSTATE BIOPSY PREP SHEET

PATIENT PREPARATION

  • All blood thinners (Warfarin, Coumadin, Plavix, Aspirin, Eliquis etc.) must be discontinued for 5 days prior to your procedure, but only after your physician has provided written approval, post consultation. Take all other medications as per usual.
  • Eat and drink normally the day of your appointment, having something to eat before your appointmentis encouraged.
  • Antibiotics prescribed by your physician must be taken prior to the appointment and should not be taken with calcium supplements or dairy products.
  • Please arrive for your appointment 30 minutes priorto your appointment time.
  • You should be accompanied by a driver, but if this is not possible you will be asked to remain in the department for 30-60 minutes post procedure.
  • Additional instructions will be given at time of booking.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR EXAM

  • When you arrive you will check in at the main floor reception.
  • You will be given an exam procedure information sheet to read.
  • You will be greeted by one of our technologists and be asked to change into a gown and shorts, removing all clothing.
  • The technologist will then review your history, explain the procedure, and have you sign a consent form.
  • You will be positioned on a diagnostic bed.
  • The radiologist is called into the room and reviews relevant imaging and documentation.
  • The radiologist will then perform the biopsy using ultrasound image guidance, and several samples will be obtained.
  • The samples will be forwarded to the Red Deer Laboratory for testing and the results forwarded to your doctor in 5-7 business days.

AFTER YOUR EXAM

  • Once the procedure is complete you will be asked to wait for 30 minutes.
  • Book a follow up appointment with your referring physician to discuss the biopsy results
  • Breast Biopsies Only:
    • You must keep the biopsy site dry for 24 hours.
    • You may use ice packs (no heat) and over the counter pain medications for pain control as needed. Do not use Aspirin as it will increase blood clotting times.
  • Prostate Biopsies
    • You may resume normal activity as tolerated after the procedure. Avoid significant Valsalva (bearing down).
    • There may be blood in your urine, semen or stool, usually lasts 24-48 hours but can last 7 days. If this side effect lasts longer, contact your physician immediately.
  • Finish all antibiotics prescribed by your doctor.
  • If there are signs of infection including fever and/or chills, and/or new suprapubic pain and/or dysuria, contact your family physician or go to your nearest Emergency Department.
  • Do not use Aspirin as it may prevent clotting. You may resume blood thinners the day after your procedure.

Preparing For Your Appointment

Referrals are necessary for all bookings

Exam Duration: 60 – 90mins

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

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PATIENT PREPARATION

  • You can not have an MRI if you have a pacemaker or certain surgically implanted devices.
  • Our MRI booking specialist will review an MRI safety screening form with you.
  • Inform our MRI booking specialist if there is a chance of pregnancy.
  • Take all medications as necessary.
  • 4 hour fasting is required for all abdominal and pelvic studies.
  • Wear loose comfortable clothing with no metal or zippers.
  • You may be asked to change into a gown.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR EXAM

  • The technologist will review the MRI safety screening form prior to entering the scan room.
  • Depending on the type of exam, you may need an intravenous line started for injection of contrast media.
  • After you are positioned on the table you will be given a headset to both listen to music and communicate with the technologist.
  • You will be required to hold very still during the exam.
  • There will be loud “banging” sounds as the images are obtained.
  • You may feel warm during the procedure which is completely normal.

AFTER YOUR EXAM

  • You will be free to go.

Preparing For Your Appointment

Private pay options available 

Referrals are necessary for all bookings 

Exam Duration: 15 – 45mins

X-Ray

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PATIENT PREPARATION

  • Appointments are not necessary; we offer a walk in service.
  • Bring your requisition and health care card with you.
  • Wear loose comfortable clothing, free of metal or zippers if possible.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR EXAM

  • After you check in at the front desk you will be asked to have a seat in the waiting room.
  • A technologist will call you in for your exam on a first come first served basis.
  • You may be asked to change into a gown and remove jewelry, depending on what kind of exam you are having.
  • If you are female and between the ages of 9 and 55 you will be asked about your menstrual status and the possibility of pregnancy. You may be asked to sign a pregnancy waiver.
  • The technologist will position you for your exam and take the x-rays.

AFTER YOUR EXAM

  • You will be free to go.

Preparing For Your Appointment

Referrals are necessary for all bookings 

Exam Duration: 10 – 15mins