Bone scans and myocardial perfusion imaging (sometimes called a nuclear stress test) are the most common types of nuclear medicine imaging. These exams can look at the whole body or a specific area of concern using a small amount of radioactive material (called a radiopharmaceutical) injected into an arm vein that travels through your bloodstream into your bones, or to the heart in the case of myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI).
A gamma camera detects the radiation and a computer interprets it to create images of the areas of concern.
Click on your exam below to find out how to prepare, what happens during your exam, and where it’s offered.
We offer procedures that use radioactive material and a gamma camera to help diagnose heart problems, tumours, fractures, and more.
Our Refresh newsletter delivers the latest medical news, expert insights, and practical tips straight to your inbox, empowering you with knowledge to enhance patient care and stay informed.
By subscribing to our newsletter you understand and accept that we may share your information with vendors or other third parties who perform services on our behalf. The personal information collected may be stored, processed, and transferred to a country or region outside of Quebec.
Please read our privacy policy for more details.
If you are interested or have any questions, send us a message.
Computed tomography (CT) is an advanced imaging system that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce comprehensive images of your abdomen. CT scans give a much more detailed picture than regular X-rays and can identify many conditions that may escape detection on other imaging tests.
Your health care practitioners may order an abdomen CT scan to examine one of the following (or, for a more comprehensive exam, a combined abdomen/pelvis CT):
A cause of pain or swelling.
Lymph nodes or blood vessels.
The kidney or bladder.
The liver, pancreas, or spleen.
The small or large bowel.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY EXAM?
WITHOUT CONTRAST: If contrast is not used, you will need to fast for two hours prior to your appointment.
ORAL CONTRAST: If oral contrast is prescribed, you will need to fast for four hours prior to your appointment and arrive two hours prior to your exam, unless otherwise specified at the time of booking.
IV CONTRAST: If oral contrast and/or IV contrast is prescribed, please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to allow enough time to check-in with reception.
Bring photo identification and your provincial health card.
Please do not drink coffee, tea, or juice six hours prior to your exam.