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Mayfair Diagnostics will no longer routinely be offering gonadal (reproductive organ) or fetal shielding while performing diagnostic imaging, such as during CT, mammography, pain management, and X-ray exams. This decision is based on current scientific research and consistent with recommendations from the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists and other provincial, national, and international regulatory bodies.
Patient safety and comfort remain Mayfair’s top priority and all exposures of radiation will continue to be held to the standard of ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) for all medical imaging exams that involve radiation. This means that no or low exposure is best, and the risk-benefit ratio is always considered.
How does our new lead shielding policy align with the ALARA principle? The decision to no longer routinely use lead shielding was made for several reasons, all of which align with the ALARA principle.
In 70 years of research, no studies have proven the harmful effects of X-rays on reproductive organs or the fetus (unborn baby) during diagnostic imaging in the current dose range. In fact, studies have shown that the human body is not as sensitive to radiation as we used to believe, and routine use of lead shielding shows negligible benefit for the patient or fetus.
Medical imaging technology has improved dramatically over the decades. Using our current technology, we can take high-quality images with very small amounts of radiation. On average, patients receive 20-25 times less radiation than they did in the 1950s.
For example, Mayfair’s diagnostic imaging equipment uses automatic exposure control, which automatically stops exposure when a preset amount of radiation has been detected. This helps provide consistent high-quality images while ensuring radiation levels are automatically adjusted based on patient size.
Medical radiation technologists (MRTs) also follow various protocols to ensure the ALARA principle is followed:
Patients come in different sizes, which may cause shielding to be misplaced. Poorly placed shielding can impact the quality of the X-ray. It may also obscure anatomy that is important for an accurate diagnosis and cause the procedure to be repeated.
Every member of the Mayfair Diagnostics team is dedicated to ensuring our patients have the information they need to make informed decisions and are supported in those decisions. Your technologist will be happy to answer any questions you may have. And, if you feel more comfortable with it, lead shielding may still be requested.
For more information about the procedures offered at Mayfair Diagnostics clinics, please visit our services page.
REFERENCES
National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (2021). “NCRP Recommendations for Ending Routine Gonadal Shielding During Abdominal and Pelvic Radiography.” www.ncrponline.org. Accessed August 8, 2023.
Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (2023) “Patient Shielding Position: Frequently Asked Questions.” www.camrt.ca. Accessed August 8, 2023.
Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (2021) “Minimizing Patient Exposure.” CAMRT Member Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. Accessed August 8, 2023.
Canadian Association of Radiologists (2021) “CAR Issues New Position Statement on Gonadal and Fetal Shielding for X-ray.” www.car.ca. Accessed August 8, 2023.
Fawcett, S.L. & Barter, S.J. (2009) “The use of gonad shielding in paediatric hip and pelvis radiographs.” The British Institute of Radiology. 2009;82(977):363-370. Accessed August 8, 2023.
Fawcett, S.L., et al. (2012) “More harm than good? The anatomy of misguided shielding of the ovaries.” The British Institute of Radiology. 2012;85(1016):e442-447. Accessed August 8, 2023.
Handloser, J.S. & Love, R.A. (1951) “Radiation Doses from Diagnostic X-Ray Studies.” Radiology. 1951;57(2):252-254. Accessed August 8, 2023.
Marsh, R.M. & Silosky, M. (2019) “Patient shielding in diagnostic imaging: Discontinuing a legacy practice.” American Journal of Roentgenology. 2019;212(4):755-757. Accessed August 8, 2023.
National Research Council. (2006) Health risks from exposure to low levels of ionizing radiation: BEIR VII. Published 2006. Accessed August 8, 2023.
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At the heart of everything we do is a belief that every image tells a story—and every story deserves care.
At Mayfair Diagnostics, we provide state-of-the-art medical imaging that helps patients and physicians get the clarity they need to make informed decisions about health. From routine check-ups to complex diagnoses, our role is to deliver answers with compassion and accuracy.
We offer a full spectrum of imaging services, including:
MRI, CT, and X-Ray for advanced diagnostic insight
Ultrasound and Mammography for preventative and women’s health
Nuclear Medicine, Bone Density, and Cardiac Imaging for specialized care
Pain Management and Interventional Procedures to improve quality of life
But our work extends beyond exams and equipment. As the largest teleradiology provider in Western Canada, we connect urban, rural, and remote communities with expert radiology services—ensuring access to care when and where it’s needed most.
We also partner with local organizations, sports teams, and community groups to keep people healthy and active. From professional athletes to families booking their first screening, our commitment is the same: timely results, advanced technology, and compassionate care.
To improve lives with clarity, compassion, and care—one focused image at a time.
But numbers only tell part of the story. What truly defines us is our culture of compassion. We’re a team of caregivers, innovators, and problem-solvers who share a commitment to excellence. Whether supporting frontline care, developing new technology workflows, or guiding a patient through their appointment, we approach our work with empathy and integrity.
At Mayfair, you’re not just part of a company—you’re part of a community. Together, we’re shaping the future of health care, making advanced imaging accessible, and creating a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow.
WHO WE ARE. WHAT WE DO. Why we’re more than a workplace
At Mayfair Diagnostics, we’re caregivers, nurturers, creators and thought leaders—deeply rooted in a passion to help people. We deliver meaningful work, compassionate care, and an environment where every team member can thrive.
Key Points:
Founded on over a century of excellence in medical imaging.
Owned and operated by 50+ radiologists, supported by 400–640+ employees across clinical, technical, administrative, and support roles.
Operating 17 locations across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and beyond (14 in Calgary, plus Cochrane, Regina, Saskatoon).
Serving 600,000–700,000 patients annually, delivering over 90,000 radiological interpretations—the largest teleradiology provider in Western Canada.
Vision & Mission:
Vision: “A world in which every person has clarity about their health.”
Mission: “To improve people’s lives, one focused image and one caring, compassionate human touch at a time.”
