Diagnostic Imaging

Arnprior Regional Health offers a wide range of advanced diagnostic and therapeutic imaging services to meet the needs of patients in our community.

We support inpatient care, emergency services, and outpatient referrals from both community providers and hospital-based clinics. Our imaging services include bone mineral densitometry (BMD), computed tomography (CT scans), mammography,  radiography (X-rays),  and ultrasound. The Department of Diagnostic Imaging performs 30,000 exams per year. Referring physicians typically make the initial request for a diagnostic imaging procedure by submitting a requisition for a diagnostic procedure.

Our dedicated imaging team plays a key role in delivering accurate and timely diagnostic results to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Working closely with other clinical programs, we focus on achieving the best possible outcomes for our patients.

Requisition Forms

Cardiology and Respiratory
    Diagnostic Imaging
CT

Our Services

X-ray

There is no appointment necessary for an X-ray.

Hours of Service: 8 a.m – 8:30 p.m. Monday – Friday

8 a.m – 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sunday & statutory holidays

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is located in the Diagnostic Imaging Department located on the Ground floor of the hospital.

Please park in the back parking lot and enter through Entrance D.  If you require an accessible entrance, please enter through the emergency department.

Tel: 613-623-3166 x214.

Hours of Service:

8 a.m – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday

Guidelines Prior to Ultrasound

If you have questions please ask your family doctor or call the Diagnostic Imaging Department.

NOTE: We do NOT perform vascular studies on patients with previous stents/bypass graft surgery in legs, Arm Arterial studies or Aorto-Iliac studies, or obstetrical studies after 20 weeks’ gestation.

  • Abdomen–  Do not eat or drink for 6 hours prior to exam.
  • Abdomen & Pelvis or Kidney& Pelvis –Do not eat for 6 hours prior to exam.  A full bladder is required.  1 ½ hours prior to your exam, void and then drink 4-6 glasses of water.  Finish drinking 1 hour before your appointment time. DO NOT VOID
  • Pelvis or Pregnancy- A full bladder is required.  1 ½ hours prior to your exam, void and then drink 4-6 glasses of water.
  • Finish drinking 1 hour before your appointment time. DO NOT VOID
  • Pregnancy after 18 weeks -A full bladder is required.  1 ½ hours prior to your exam, void and then drink 2-3 glasses of water.
  • Finish drinking 1 hour before your appointment time. DO NOT VOID
  • Carotid Doppler –  If previous studies were not performed by ADMH, previous reports must be sent to ensure proper reporting.
  • Peripheral Leg Arterial Doppler – If previous studies were not performed by ADMH, previous reports must be sent to ensure proper reporting.

Ontario Breast Screening Program

The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) is a comprehensive, organized breast cancer-screening program. Its mission is to reduce mortality from breast cancer by delivering high quality breast screening to Ontario women between the ages of 40 and 74. OBSP has been in operation since 1990. It is operated by Cancer Care Ontario and funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

Arnprior & District Memorial Hospital offers the Ontario Breast Screening Program in the Diagnostic Imaging Department on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The Program is also offered month per month on Tuesday.

All you need to book an appointment is your health card. You do not need a referral from your doctor.

All breast screening technologists are female. The OBSP screens women 40 years of age and over and automatically recalls clients until the age of 74. Clients over the age of 74 are still part of the Ontario Breast screening program, however you will need a requisition from your family physician. Call today 613-623-7962 x 359 to book your appointment.

Bone Mineral Densitometry

The Bone Mineral Densitometry Unit is a safe, low-dose x-ray procedure that assists in diagnosing low bone density. This exam estimates the amount of bone mineral content in specific areas of the body, including the spine and hip. Typically, a bone density test will last between 10-15 minutes. As we age, we naturally begin to lose bone density and this becomes more prevalent after age of 50. THE BMD Unit is used to diagnose osteoporosis, assess the risk of fracture and monitor changes in bone density over time. Osteoporosis occurs very gradually throughout life and leads to painful and crippling fractures of the hips, vertebrae and wrists. Over 25,000 hip fractures occur each year in Canada, with total health care costs exceeding $600 million. Both new and existing treatments offer hope for stabilizing bone mass and reducing fractures.   Osteoporosis is often known as “the silent thief” because bone loss occurs without symptoms. Osteoporosis is sometimes confused with osteoarthritis, because the names are similar. Osteoporosis is a bone disease; osteoarthritis is a disease of the joints and surrounding tissue.

If you are concerned about your bone density, are over 50 or have one of the risk factors, please speak with your family doctor about a Bone Mineral Densitometry Screening.  The Diagnostic Imaging Department is located on the ground floor of ADMH.  Hours of operation are from 8am – 4pm Monday to Friday and they can be reached by phone at 613-623-3166 x 214

CT (Computed Tomography)

Computed tomography is commonly referred to as a CT scan. A CT scan is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce images of the inside of the body. It shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, organs and blood vessels.

CT Scans are painless.

There are two main exam types: with contrast and without contrast.

For scans with contrast, you may need oral contrast, or intravascular contrast.

General Instructions

  • Please inform us of any allergies, including too contrast media x-ray dye.
  • If you are pregnant or think you may be, please inform the Technologist.
  • Wearing clothes without zippers and metal, when possible. (Otherwise you may be asked to change into a Hospital gown.

If you exam requires oral contrast:

Oral contrast helps provide clearer images of the stomach, small intestine, and colon. The specific amount and the time needed to drink it vary depending on the reason for your CT scan. Some people may experience loose stools after some types of oral contrast.

It is important to inform us if you have an allergy to iodine or to contrast media before you start your drinks.

If your exam requires intravascular (IV) contrast:

Intravascular contrast media is an iodine containing solution, sometime referred to as “x-ray die”. The contrast media will be injected into either your vein or artery.

  • If you know or think that you will receive an IV contrast injection, for the 24 hour period leading up to the time of your CT exam, please drink a total of 8 glasses of water. You will be instructed to drink additional water after the exam. This will help flush the IV contrast out of your system.
  • You do not need a full bladder for this scan, so you can urinate before the exam. If you are on fluid restrictions, please contact the CT booking office for additional instructions.
  • When the contrast agent is injected, you might notice a metallic taste in your mouth and a mild warmth spreading through your body. These sensations are completely normal. Allergic reactions are rare, but the first 15 minutes after the injection are the most critical for monitoring.
  • If the examination will be performed using contrast media X-ray dye, you may be asked to go for bloodwork, eGFR (a lab test that measures your kidneys’ ability to filter toxins or waste from your blood).

Breastfeeding and IV contrast: Breastfeeding mothers should be informed about the option to continue or temporarily pause breastfeeding after receiving an IV contrast agent. Less than 1% of the administered dose enters breast milk, and less than 1% of that is absorbed by the infant. Therefore, the amount of contrast ingested by the infant is minimal. Research indicates it is generally safe to continue breastfeeding after such procedures. If you have concerns, you may choose to refrain from breastfeeding for 24 hours and express and discard milk during that time. You may also consider pumping in advance to feed your child during this period. For further questions, consult your physician or a lactation consultant.

How the test is performed

During a CT scan, you will be asked to lie on a table that moves through a large, donut-shaped machine. The procedure is quick and non-invasive, typically lasting just a few minutes. You may be asked to hold your breath briefly at certain points to ensure clear images. If contrast material is used, you may feel a warm sensation or taste a slight metallic flavor. The technologist will guide you throughout the process, and you’ll be informed of any additional steps required.

How to prepare for the test

CT of the Abdomen, Pelvis, Abdo-Pelvic:

  • Nothing to eat 4 hours prior to the scan, but you can drink clear fluids and take your medication.

All other CT Examinations:

  • No special preparation is required.

Laboratory

Arnprior Regional Health is a proud member of the Eastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association (EORLA). EORLA laboratories provide diagnostic testing to both hospital inpatients and registered outpatients, performing a total of approximately 13 million tests annually.  Sixteen local hospitals in Eastern Ontario have voluntarily come together in the interests of improved quality in patient care and to effectively manage costs.

EORLA’s medical laboratory professionals — medical laboratory technologists, medical laboratory assistants, physicians and scientists — are at the forefront of quality health care; up to 85 percent of decisions about a diagnosis and treatment plan are based on lab test results. Comprehensive testing in the disciplines of Anatomic Pathology, Biochemistry, Hematopathology /Transfusion Medicine, and Microbiology/Virology is performed at EORLA.  This means patients and their physicians have access to high quality and consistent results across the region.