Radiography

Serving Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Grimsby and surrounding areas

  • Bone Scans are usually done in the Nuclear Medicine Departments at the Hamilton General, McMaster or St. Joseph’s (Downtown) Hospitals.
  • There is no Nuclear Medicine unit in east Hamilton.
  • This test is used to look for inflammation in bones or joints.
  • During the first part of the test you will receive an injection of a compound to outline the parts being examined.
  • You will then return to the department 3 to 4 hours later the same day to have the test performed.
  • You may eat or drink normally.
  • Continue to take your medications.

General Information:

  • CT Scans are usually done at the Hamilton General, McMaster or St. Joseph’s (Downtown) Hospitals.
  • There is no CT unit in east Hamilton.
  • A C.T. (CT) scan is a test which uses x-rays.
  • If you have allergies, claustrophobia, a pacemaker or metal parts in your body, please tell the technologist before the test.
  • No metal zippers or fasteners can be worn on clothing.
  • Wear a light weight track suit or jogging suit or something very comfortable with no metal parts.
  • Continue to take your usual medications.
  • If you take insulin, consult with your family doctor prior to this test.
  • After the test, return to your normal diet and routine.

CT Scan – Brain or Neck

    • Eat a light meal before the test.
    • During the test you may receive an injection of an iodine compound to outline the parts being examined.
    • Be prepared to stay in the department for 1 hour, about 15 minutes of this will be on the scanning table.

CT Scan – Chest

    • Eat a light meal before the test.
    • During the test you may receive an injection of an iodine compound to outline the parts being examined.
    • You will be asked to swallow a barium paste during the examination and you may need to have a chest x-ray.
    • Be prepared to stay in the department for 1 hour, about 30 minutes of this will be on the scanning table.

CT Scan – Abdomen and Pelvis

    • Do not eat or drink for 4 hours before your appointment time.
    • Before the test, you may be asked to drink a large amount of flavoured liquid and receive an injection of an iodine compound to help outline the parts being examined.
    • For pelvic CT the technologist may need to put some air or fluid into the rectum and/or a tampon into the vagina.
    • Be prepared to stay in the department for 2 hours, about 30 minutes of this will be on the scanning table.

CT Scan – Spine or Any Other Area

    • Follow your normal diet.
    • Be prepared to stay in the department for 1 hour, about 15 minutes of this will be on the scanning table.
  • MRI’s are usually done at the Hamilton General, Juravinski (Henderson), McMaster or St. Joseph’s (Downtown) Hospitals.
  • There is no MRI unit in east Hamilton.
  • Bring all relevant x-rays, CT or MRI scans taken outside of the Hamilton Hospitals with you on the day of your appointment. These files will be returned to the appropriate location, by the radiology department, upon completion.
  • There is no special preparation.
  • Do not wear makeup.
  • Wear a light-weight track suit, jogging outfit or comfortable clothing.
  • Do NOT wear clothing with metal zippers, metal fasteners or metallic decoration. This applies to underwear also.
  • If you are claustrophobic or taking sedation, call the MRI unit before your appointment.
  • The test takes 30 minutes but your appointment could be delayed because of emergencies by up to 3 hours.
  • You will hear a loud noise during the test like an irregular drum beat or like a jackhammer. This is normal.
  • The following items must NOT be taken into the MRI scan room. Ignoring this warning could result in personal injury and/or damage to the MR equipment. Do not enter the scan room with any of these items: belt buckles, bra and girdle under wire support, coins, glasses, hairpins, barrettes, hearing aid, jewelry, keys, magnetic strip cards (credit cards, bank cards), metal bra hooks, metal zippers, metal buttons, metallic (foil) medication patches, pens, pencils, pockets knife, removable dental work, removable dentures, safety pins, sanitary belt, shoes, wallet, money clip, watch, wigs, hairpieces.
  • Fasting required.
  • Please book an appointment at the Radiology (X-Ray) clinic on the first floor.
  • No fasting required. No appointment required at the Radiology (X-ray) office on the first floor.