What to expect on the day of your X-ray or ultrasound
Arrive a little early with your requisition and health card, wear comfortable clothing, and expect a short visit. A technologist takes the images, and the report goes to your provider.
Before you go
- Bring your requisition and Ontario health card.
- Follow any prep for your exam. See which ultrasounds need prep.
- Arrive early. Some clinics ask for about 15 minutes before an appointment.
- Wear comfortable clothing without metal, such as zippers or buttons, near the area being imaged. You may be given a gown.
At the clinic
Check in at reception, then a technologist (or sonographer for ultrasound) takes you to the exam room.
During the exam
- X-ray: quick and painless. You'll be positioned and asked to stay still, sometimes holding your breath briefly.
- Ultrasound: the technologist moves a probe with gel over the area. It's painless, though a full bladder can be uncomfortable. Ultrasounds often take 30 minutes or more depending on the exam.
After
You can usually leave right away. The clinic can't give you results at the time, because a radiologist has to read the scan, write a report and send it to the ordering clinician, who follows up with you. See how to get your test results.