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A Wide Range
of State-of-the-Art Services
The clinic provides services in all imaging modalities using
the latest technology:
General radiology, diagnostic mammography,
bone density and fluoroscopy (gastro-intestinal procedures)
are covered by the Quebec health insurance (RAMQ). The
other modalities are moderately priced and are generally covered
by private health insurance plans.
Mammography
A mammogram is an x-ray examination of the breast where compression
is applied to the breast. This results in a better quality image,
lower dose of radiation and spreads out the tissues. The radiologist
then looks for possible abnormalities such as cysts, tumours,
etc. which can be benign or malignant. Early detection of
any such abnormalities is very important making regular check-ups
an essential diagnostic tool. Typically, the mammogram examination
takes 15 to 20 minutes. There is sometimes the possibility that we call a patient back for additional views if an area of the breast was not clear on the routine images.
Preparations
Bone Densitometry
Bone densitometry is a diagnostic process by which a very
low dose of x-ray is passed through an instrument to measure
the calcium content of the bone, usually the spine and hip
areas. Early detection of a low mineral content (osteoporosis)
enables the doctor to start treatment before any fractures
occur. This test is especially important for post-menopausal
women but should be done pre-menopausal as well in order to establish a baseline reading. The patient is asked to lie on a bed and rest comfortably.
The machine arm passes over the body during the exam and captures
the information necessary to measure the bone density. A computer
program deciphers the data and produces a graphical report
with measurements. An x-ray of the lumbar spine is also performed with the bone densitometry to assist in the interpretation of the results. Typically, the exam takes 30 minutes.
Preparations
Gastro-Intestinal
Tract
There are several different studies done, to evaluate the
state of the gastro-intestinal tract. Each of these requires
the administration of Barium liquid.
Barium Swallow is done for the throat
area. It is typically recommended if there is difficulty in
swallowing food. The patient will be required to stand and drink barium while images are obtained. This exam takes 15 minutes without special
preparation.
Barium Meal (Upper G.I.) is done
for the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. It is usually ordered
to diagnose ulcers. This exam typically takes 15 minutes with
a preparation prior to the exam. The patient will be required to drink a glass of barium with some pills that create gas in the stomach. (Patient should be fairly mobile for this exam.)
Preparations
Small Bowel Follow-Through demonstrates
the approximately 26 feet of small bowel. This is usually
ordered to assess mal absorption disease and inflammations
of the bowel (such as Crohn's disease). This exam can take
from 20 minutes to 3 hours depending on how fast the digestive
system works before the barium reaches the small bowel. This
exam requires fasting and preparation. . The patient will be required to drink approximately 2 to 3 glasses of barium for this exam.
Preparations
Barium Enema is an exam that focuses
on the large bowel. It seeks to see the large bowel through
a tube inserted into the rectum. A small amount of barium
and air are introduced to produce a double contrast effect.
This enables the capture of images that allows the radiologist
to evaluate the state of this organ. Typically this takes
30 - 40 minutes and requires 48 hours of fasting and preparation.
Preparations
Panorex
This is a radiograph of the full mouth. This is prescribed
to see the position of the teeth and state of the roots. This
exam takes 10 minutes.
CT Scan
The CT scanner allows the acquisition of transversed images of
the body.
The patient is placed on a table that moves
inside the ring; this ring contains an x-ray tube that rotates
around the patient. Facing the tube there are thousands detectors
that will receive information, and from all this data, a very
powerful computer will produce clear images of 1-10 mm in
thickness.
At some point during the exam an injection of a contrast agent may be required. This is required in order that certain tissues stand out better in the picture.
Westmount Square Medical Imaging clinic
is equipped with a multi-slice helical scanner. This allows for example to perform an
abdominal study in less than 30 seconds. The helical mode
allows us well to obtain very precise images that can be reconstructed
in different planes or in 3D.
Further, the CT Scan used
at the clinic contains very advanced software that measures
the beam's radiation intensity necessary for each patient.
This results in reducing the radiation dosage without losing
or affecting the image quality.
We offer a complete series of procedures
including specialized examinations:
- Maxillary pre-implants study (Dentascan): in supplying a tridimensional
images, the scanner allows to confirm the presence or absence
of anatomical limitations for implants, and help to prevent
unecessary complications.
- Angio-scan: tridimensional study of the vascular system
of the head or abdomen.
- Arthro-scan: after contrast injection within a joint
(ankle, shoulder, etc) the CT Scan produces very
fine cuts of the examined region.
Preparations
Virtual Colonography
Virtual Colonography is a screening technique using a CT Scan. A small tube is inserted into the rectum and the colon is inflated with air. An intravenous injection of an antispasmatic medication (Buscopan) is given prior to the administration of air to reduce the natural movement of the colon and cramping. This procedure enables the radiologist to visualize the entire colon reaching all the way to the cecum and determine the presence of a lesion. Since V.C. scans the abdomen and pelvis, nearby organs are also included in the study and incidental assessment can be useful. The exam will take approximately 30 minutes.
Preparations
Cardiac Scoring
Cardiac Scoring is a CT examination of the coronary arteries. The software tool on the CT Scanner determines the amount of calcium and plaque in a person’s arteries. It is a test that attempts to estimate a person’s risk of heart disease.
Preparations
Chest Screening
Chest Screening is an examination performed by CT scan to assess for lung cancer. The CT allows the radiologist to visualize the lungs and detect abnormalities not seen on x-rays.
Preparations
CT Enterography
CT Enterography is a CT examination geared towards assessing the small bowl. The patient is asked to drink 4 cups of whole milk (1 cup every 15 minutes) starting one hour before the exam. An intravenous injection of an antispasmatic medication is also administered before the exam to relax the bowel. This exam also requires the injection of iodine contrast and therefore a recent creatinine is required before making an appointment.
Preparations
MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a way to take pictures
of the inside of the body. It is based on magnetism which
is a natural force all around us. MRI uses a tunnel-like magnet
to set up a strong magnetic field around the patient. Radio
waves are transmitted and pass inside the body.
MRI does not use X-rays and is not known
to be harmful. It is also painless. At some point during the
exam an injection of a contrast agent may be required. This
is required in order that certain tissues stand out better
in the picture.
It is not okay to have an MRI examination
if you have:
- A cardiac pacemaker;
- An aneurysm clip in your head;
- Shrapnel or bullets in your body;
- An ear implant (cochlear);
- Metal in the eye.
Questionnaire
These metal items are okay:
- A metal prosthesis;
- Certain other non-magnetic implanted devices (e.g. an
intrauterine device);
- Dental fillings.
Preparations
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a painless and essentially a non-invasive test
used to image different areas of the body. Ultrasound uses
sound waves and a type of a sonar detection system to generate
images. These images enable the radiologist who is a specialist
in diagnostic imaging to determine if there are any problems.
During the test an ultrasonographer or a doctor
will apply some clear non-allergenic, non-staining water based
gel to the body part in question. This will allow contact
with the surface of the probe used to take images. Most often,
the sensor just contacts the skin surface while other times
pressure may be necessary to acquire an ideal picture, which
may cause some discomfort, but this is rare.
During the test there may be some loud noises
like ocean waves or your hearbeat. This is a way for the instrument
to measure blood flowing in the veins or arteries. Unlike
other imaging modalities, ultrasound is interactive, between
the patient, the ultrasonographer and the radiologist. There
are no side effects to ultrasound examinations.
Requisitions for abdominal, pelvis, endovaginal or muskulo-skeletal ultrasounds must be faxed to the clinic for protocol. The patient must bring in on the day of the exam any pertinent films and/or reports
Preparations - Abdominal Ultrasound
Preparations - Pelvic Ultrasound
Preparations - Endovaginal Ultrasound
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