How to Prepare
There is no prep required. However, to avoid harming our female patients, we ask women from 12-55 years if there is any chance of pregnancy. If there is any chance of pregnancy, then we cannot proceed with the exam until pregnancy is ruled out.
Checking In
When you arrive at the Medical Imaging Department, check in at the reception desk. The receptionist may ask you for:
- Date of birth
- Address
- Phone number
- Provincial Health Card
- Your
Mount Sinai or
Women's College Hospital card
- Your health card (OHIP card), or another form of government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver's license
If your appointment is at Mount Sinai Hospital or Women's College Hospital, you will need to allow extra time before your appointment to get a card for that hospital.
Before the X-Ray
The technologist will come to get you from the waiting room when it's time for your x-ray. Bring all your valuables with you. The technologist will also let you know if you need to change into a hospital gown.
If you need to change, you'll be given a gown and then sent to the changing area. The technologist will tell you what clothing you'll need to remove and show you where to wait afterward.
During and After the X-Ray
The technologist will call you into the x-ray room and confirm your name and birth date, and then you'll be moved into a position for the x-ray.
You'll need to hold still while the x-ray's being taken, and you may even need to hold your breath – the technologist will let you know. But it's the same principle as normal photos – if you move, we get a blurry picture, and that won't help us in getting information from the image.
The Results of Your X-Ray
The technologist uploads your x-rays to a computer database. Then a radiologist writes a report on what the x-rays show and sends it to the requesting physician.
Please keep in mind the technologist can't give you the results when your x-ray is finished. Your doctor will give you the final results.
How Long Will Your Appointment Be?
X-rays often don't take very long. The whole process can range from about 15 to 30 minutes depending on the x-rays you're having.
We do our best to stay on time. Unfortunately, your appointment may be delayed by unforeseen circumstances. We recommend that you come prepared for delays.
