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HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR MEDICAL IMAGING EXAM?

Your medical imaging exam could be a simple X-ray or ultrasound. Or, your doctor might have ordered one of the more complex exams, such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or nuclear medicine imaging. Whichever exam has been requested, they all have preparation instructions which are important to follow leading up to your appointment.

Often these preparation instructions can be found on the second page of your medical imaging requisition – the paperwork requesting the specific exam and explaining why it’s needed. Mayfair Diagnostics also describes how to prepare for each type of exam on our website, simply go to the services page and choose your exam. For example, go to the ultrasound service page and choose abdomen ultrasound.

We will explain how to prepare for your exam when you are booking your appointment. If you’ve signed up for email and/or text message notifications about your appointment, there will also be a link to your preparation instructions in your confirmation and reminder messages.

WHAT PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS APPLY TO MOST EXAMS?

For all exams we recommend the following:

  1. Arrive early to give you time to check in with reception. Usually, we ask that you arrive 10-15 minutes early, although some exams, such as MRI or CT, may have an arrival time of 30 or more minutes prior to your appointment. Your arrival time will be listed in your email confirmation.
  2. Bring identification. When you check in with reception, you will need to show your provincial health care card and photo identification to confirm your identity. We also ask that you bring your requisition with you, if we don’t already have this on file.
  3. Dress appropriately. Wear comfortable clothes that you can easily move around in or change out of. For example, two-piece clothing is recommended for mammography, exercise stress testing, and myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) exams. Also, it can be difficult to completely remove all of the ultrasound gel after your ultrasound, so it’s best to wear clothes that are easily washed.
  4. Be aware of metal on clothing and jewelry. For all exams that use X-rays, we ask that you not wear metal around the area being imaged. This applies to all bone mineral densitometry, bone scan with SPECT/CT, CT, pain management, and mammography exams. For MRI exams, no metal can be worn (underwire bras, jewelry, clothing, etc.) and you will also be asked about internal metal objects.

WHAT ARE SOME EXAM-SPECIFIC PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS?

Some preparation instructions are specific to the area being examined:

  1. Keep the area to be imaged clean and product-free. Mammograms are detailed X-rays of breast tissue and the under-arm area. For these exams, we ask that you don’t use deodorant, antiperspirant, lotions, or powder under the arms or near the breast area as some products can contain aluminum, which can affect the quality of the images.
  2. Some exams involve fasting. Abdominal exams (CT, MRI, and ultrasound) usually involve fasting before the exam, between 2-6 hours depending on the type of imaging used. This helps ensure there is no food or liquid in your stomach (and urine in your bladder) and allows for clearer images of the structures in your abdomen. You will need to check with your doctor to determine if you should continue to take any medications, and if a small amount of water is allowed.
  3. You may need to arrive with a full bladder. Kidney and bladder, pelvis, and several pregnancy ultrasounds require a full bladder. You will be directed to empty your bladder 90 minutes prior to your appointment, then drink one litre of water within the next 30 minutes. If you have a problem keeping a full bladder, you may arrive early to drink your water at the clinic. If you are too uncomfortable, you will be advised to void some urine to relieve the pressure, but not empty the bladder.
  4. You may need a driver. For pain management injections, some exams may require you to have a driver, while for others a driver may be optional depending on your level of discomfort.
  5. Your instructions may concern medication you are currently taking or will be advised to take. Some nuclear medicine imaging may have advice about medication you will need to avoid or stop taking. If you are on anticoagulation drugs (Plavix, Coumadin, Warfarin, etc.), you may need to have an international normalized ratio (INR) test and temporarily stop your medication prior to a pain management procedure. For viscosupplement injections* you will need to bring your medication with you to your appointment.
  6. Please advise us if you have a COVID-19 vaccination booked or completed within two weeks PRIOR to your scheduled appointment date or within one week AFTER your schedule appointment date, as this may require your pain management procedure to be rescheduled and may need to be noted during your mammogram.

*Medications are provided at cost, but prices vary depending on dosage and manufacturer. Please contact our pain management department for the most current price.

PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS

The above preparation instructions are a general overview of the types of instructions you may receive. Depending on the type of exam you are booked for, your instructions may be more detailed than what we have outlined in this article. For example, some exams are two-part appointments, which occur over the course of one day, while others involve appointments occurring over two days.

For specific details about how to prepare for your medical imaging exam, please refer to our services page for a list of our exams. You can also contact the Mayfair Diagnostics Customer Contact Centre via the following options:

Mayfair Diagnostics has 14 clinics offering a variety of services across Calgary, as well as one each in Cochrane, Regina, and Saskatoon.

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Radiologist

Radiologists are specialized physicians who interpret diagnostic imaging to diagnose and monitor a wide range of medical conditions. At Mayfair Diagnostics, they review X-ray, ultrasound, CT, and MRI studies, among others, analyzinsg images in detail and providing comprehensive reports and clinical recommendations to referring physicians. They collaborate closely with technologists and clinic teams to guide imaging protocols, ensure quality and radiation safety standards, and may perform image-guided procedures such as biopsies or injections. Through their expertise and teamwork, radiologists play a key role in accurate diagnosis, effective treatment planning, and improved patient outcomes.

Administration

Administrative professionals support the organization across human resources, marketing, operations, strategic partnerships, finance, information technology, and infrastructure. From recruiting staff to promoting services and improving workflows, they help ensure smooth operations and positive experiences for employees and patients. Through collaboration with clinical and support teams, they provide essential coordination that enables efficient, high-quality service.

Diagnostic Imaging Assistant

Diagnostic Imaging Assistant (DIA) support clinic operations and help ensure a positive patient experience. They assist staff by greeting and preparing patients, confirming information, coordinating appointments, and guiding patients through their visit. DIAs also maintain exam rooms, manage documentation, and ensure supplies and equipment are ready. Through strong customer service, attention to detail, and teamwork, they help create a safe and organized environment.

Patient Experience Coordinator

Patient Experience Coordinators (PECs) are the first point of contact, scheduling exams and ensuring accurate patient information. They communicate clearly with patients, coordinate with care teams, and support a smooth, confidential, and customer-focused experience.

Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Nuclear Medical Technologists perform diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures involving sensitive and highly personal patient circumstances. They are responsible for delivering the highest standard of care in a professional, compassionate, and patient-centered manner, in accordance with provincial regulatory requirements, CAMRT standards, and Mayfair policies and guidelines.

CT Technologist

Computed Tomography (CT) Technologists operate CT imaging equipment to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the body that assist in diagnosing a wide range of medical conditions. They prepare and position patients for scans, ensure safety protocols are followed, and administer contrast agents when required. CT technologists work closely with radiologists to ensure high-quality diagnostic images are obtained, while providing clear communication and compassionate care to support patient comfort throughout the procedure.

MRI Technologist

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologists operates MRI scanners to produce detailed images of internal body structures used to assist in medical diagnosis and treatment planning. They are responsible for preparing and positioning patients, ensuring all safety protocols are strictly followed due to the strong magnetic field, and obtaining high-quality images as directed by radiologists. MRI technologists combine technical expertise with patient care, providing clear communication and support to ensure a safe, comfortable, and efficient imaging experience.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers perform ultrasound exams to help diagnose and monitor medical conditions. Following Sonography Canada standards and Mayfair Diagnostics protocols, they capture accurate images while ensuring patient safety, comfort, and confidentiality. They work with radiologists and clinical teams to review requisitions, prepare patients, perform scans, and document findings, contributing to accurate diagnoses and a positive patient experience.

Medical Radiation Technologist

Medical Radiation Technologists (MRTs) perform x-ray, mammography, and BMD exams while ensuring patient safety, accuracy, and compassionate care.  They also may assist in pain therapy procedures. MRTs verify patient information, explain procedures, position patients, and produce high-quality images. MRTs follow professional standards and protocols, maintaining strict radiation safety, quality assurance, and patient privacy while supporting a positive patient experience.

Our Culture

We foster a supportive and collaborative culture designed to encourage positive patient experiences and build strong working relationships across the organization:

  • We recognize each other for our contributions – big and small.
  • We focus on teamwork and personal accountability to achieve our goals.
  • When we commit to deadlines, we complete the work as promised, by when we promised. If we realize we can’t keep our commitments, we collaborate to find new deadlines well in advance of the original ones.
  • We feel safe to speak up responsibly. That means we freely share what’s on our minds in a way that is respectful and supports the success of the organization.
  • We commit to our patients and their needs. We show up each day ready to live our vision, mission, and values.
  • We challenge each other to grow and develop our skills and we support each other to do so.
  • Above all, we go the extra mile to support our patients and colleagues. 

Our Values.

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 with us.

Join Mayfair Diagnostics, recognized as one of Western Canada’s premier medical imaging organizations. With a century-long legacy and headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Mayfair Diagnostics is dedicated to assisting patients in achieving clarity regarding their health.

Operating clinics in Calgary and surrounding areas, Regina, and Saskatoon, our multidisciplinary team of radiologists, technologists, and support staff collaborate seamlessly to deliver high quality patient care. Working here is more than just a job; it’s a strong step towards your future.

OUR TEAMS

We are a dedicated group of professionals who combine skill with compassion to deliver attentive care to our patients. As a reliable partner in their health care journey, we provide high-quality imaging that assists patients, physicians, and other providers in making informed health decisions. Our work goes beyond imaging; it’s about fostering relationships and positively impacting everyone we serve.

OUR VISION

We envision a world where every person has clarity about their health. We innovate and welcome change, promoting leadership and creativity through safe risk-taking. We share best practices, earn peer recognition for our work, and engage top talent to reach our goals.

We strive to be thought leaders and encourage creativity by providing a safe place for calculated risk taking.

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.