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An X-ray is one of the most common types of medical imaging and was the first type of medical imaging to be discovered.
In 1895, a German scientist named Wilhelm Roentgen first observed electromagnetic energy waves that were more energetic than light rays, calling them “X-rays.” He realized these X-rays could penetrate soft body tissue but were absorbed by dense material like bone, making the internal structures of the body visible without surgery.
After that discovery, X-rays were used more and more in medicine, leading to the need for professionals to operate the machines and interpret the images. X-rays are now available in a variety of locations such as hospitals, urgent care centres, medical imaging clinics, and some doctor’s offices.
Today, X-rays help health care practitioners make a diagnosis and inform care decisions. They are routinely requested to investigate concerns like pain or swelling. X-rays can detect injuries or deformities of bones, identify foreign objects in the body, or evaluate obstruction of the sinuses, lungs, and intestines.
Once your doctor has identified the need for an X-ray, you will be given a requisition form. X-rays are offered in the community on a walk-in basis at any medical imaging clinic and appointments are not required for general X-ray procedures. Simply bring your form with you.
Depending on the area being examined, you may be asked to change into a gown. You will be asked to remove any metal objects, such as jewelry, watches, hair clips, pins, and clothes with metal buttons, zippers, or snaps. Since X-rays use radiation, women between the ages of 11-55 will be asked about the possibility of pregnancy, and the technologist will use lead shielding whenever possible, unless it obscures the area of interest.
You will be positioned by one of our compassionate and experienced technologists, and will need to remain still while the X-ray image is being taken by state-of-the-art imaging technology. Sometimes padded props may be used to help you hold a specific position. More than one X-ray view may be taken, sometimes from different angles. You may also be required to hold your breath.
Please let us know if you have any mobility limitations when booking your exam. We do not have patient lifts at any of our locations, so, unfortunately, you will need to visit a hospital if you need one.
The X-ray itself is not painful, if you are experiencing pain, you may feel some discomfort if you need to hold a certain position. The exam should take about 15 minutes, depending on the body part to be imaged.
Once the technologist has confirmed that the necessary number of images has been taken and that they are of good quality, you will be free to leave.
Your X-ray images will be reviewed by a specialized radiologist who will compile a report that is sent to your doctor within 24 hours, sooner for urgent requests. Mayfair Diagnostics is owned and operated by over 50 radiologists who are sub-specialized in many key areas, such as neuroradiology, body, cardiac, musculoskeletal, etc. This allows for an expert review of your imaging by the applicably trained radiologist.
Your images will also be uploaded to a provincial picture archiving and communication system (PACS) – this technology provides electronic storage and convenient access to your medical images from multiple sources, such as your doctor, specialists, hospitals, walk-in clinics, etc.
Your doctor will review your X-rays and the report from the radiologist and discuss next steps with you, such as a treatment plan or the need for further diagnostic imaging or lab tests to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
For a list of Mayfair Diagnostics locations that perform X-rays, please visit our service page. Mayfair offers walk-in X-ray services in Regina and 12 convenient locations in Calgary. Please note, X-ray is not offered at our Cochrane, Saskatoon, Southcentre, or Sunpark clinics.
History.com Editors (2020) “German scientist discovers X-rays.” www.history.com. Accessed March 4, 2022.
Government of Alberta (2021) “Adult X-Ray: About This Test.” MyHealth.Alberta.ca. Accessed March 4, 2022.
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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.
We foster a supportive and collaborative culture designed to encourage positive patient experiences and build strong working relationships across the organization:
Our core values shape the way we work with patients, partners, and fellow employees. And, more than anything else, they’re what set Mayfair apart. In everything we do, this is what we strive for:
EXCELLENCE
We share a commitment to high quality and excellence in all that we do. This commitment calls on all of us to achieve the very best of our capabilities and exceed our own expectations.
CURIOSITY
We innovate in everything, from services to processes. We believe meaningful change and effective problem solving come only by looking at challenges and opportunities from new angles and by exercising our creativity and curiosity.
PASSION
We show pride, enthusiasm, and dedication in everything that we do. We are committed to producing and delivering high-quality results and services. We are passionate about our industry and about our company, services, partners, and patients.
COLLABORATION
Our team is supportive of each other’s efforts; we are loyal to one another; and we care for one another both personally and professionally. We promote and support a diverse, yet unified, team. We work together to meet our common goals across Mayfair clinics, locations, and geographies. Only through collaboration on ideas, technologies, and talents can we achieve our mission and vision.
SERVICE
We take pride in delivering exceptional service every day. We listen to every request with an open mind, always looking for opportunities to go above and beyond to create memorable, personalized experiences. We take responsibility to answer our referrers’ and patients’ requests and respect their time by always responding with a sense of urgency.
Start a career with Mayfair Diagnostics — one of Western Canada’s leading medical imaging teams.
Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, we’ve been helping people f ind clarity for their health for over 100 years. At our clinics in Calgary and area, Regina, and Saskatoon, our team of radiologists, technologists, and support staff work in a truly integrated way to provide exceptional experiences for our patients. Joining our team is more than a job. It’s an investment in your future — a plan for success.
OUR PEOPLE
Our people share our quest to make a difference in our patient’s lives. We’re a team of professionals, disciplined in our skills and compassionate with our patients, providing the care and attention they need. At our core, we are a trusted partner in our patients’ health care journey. Our patients, physicians, and other health care providers rely on us for quality imaging to help manage their patient’s health care decisions with certainty. But our business is about more than just imaging. It’s about building lasting relationships and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we meet.
OUR VISION
A world in which every person has clarity about their health. We push the boundaries of what is possible and embrace change as an opportunity. We strive to be thought leaders and encourage creativity by providing a safe place for calculated risk taking. We learn from our mistakes. We share best practices across our operations and are recognized by our peers for our work. We engage the best to help propel us forward in achieving our goals.
