Kidneys play an important role in keeping your body healthy. They remove waste from the body through urine, help make red blood cells, and regulate your blood pressure. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs about the size of a fist, located under the rib cage on each side of the spine.
For your body to function properly, it must balance the minerals within the body and keep many of the substances in the blood and other body fluids at the right level. When the kidneys are working properly, extra water and minerals such as sodium and potassium, leave your body in the urine.
Sometimes when they aren’t working properly, you can develop kidney stones. Both men and women can develop kidney stones, but men are more prone to developing them. According to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, about 12% of men and 6% of women will have a kidney stone at some point in their life.
In men, the first kidney stone is usually diagnosed between the ages of 40 and 60. For women, the age range is younger – between the ages of 25 to 30. Kidney stones also have a recurrence rate; it’s estimated that their likeliness to return is 15% in the first year and 50% in the following 10 years.
When urine has high levels of minerals and salts and low levels of liquid, it can crystalize to form a hard deposit known as a kidney stone (also called renal calculi, nephrolithiasis, or urolithiasis). Some kidney stones are the size of a grain of sand and may pass through the body in the urine without you knowing it. However, larger stones travelling from the kidney through the ureter to the bladder can cause severe pain.
Most kidney stones are caused by low urine volume and dietary factors, and are linked to family history. According to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, you are two and half times more likely to develop a kidney stone if one of your relatives has had one. This could be due to both genetic and environmental factors, such as having a similar diet or drinking patterns in families.
Low urine volumes from not drinking enough fluids or dehydration can cause your urine to be more concentrated. When it is more concentrated there is less fluid to keep salts dissolved.
Drinking more fluids will help to dilute the salts in your urine and reduce the risk of stones forming. Diet can also impact your chance of forming a kidney stone. Alberta Health Services has the following dietary recommendations to help avoid kidney stones:
Other risk factors of kidney stones include excess body weight, certain supplements and medications, and some medical conditions.
Small kidney stones frequently don’t cause damage and will pass through the urinary tract unnoticed. Larger stones can be quite painful. These hard mineral deposits start to hurt when they cause irritation or a blockage. This can make urinating difficult or increase pressure on the kidneys, often resulting in a sharp pain in the lower back.
Symptoms could be one or more of the following:
For kidney symptoms, such as pain, frequent urination, uncomfortable urination, etc., it’s important to speak with your health care practitioner. Your doctor will likely order a number of tests to investigate the cause for these symptoms. These tests often include blood or urine tests, and possibly medical imaging.
If needed, the following medical imaging exams could be ordered to investigate kidney stones:
For more information about these exams and how to prepare, please visit our services page.
REFERENCES
Alberta Health Services (2023) “Kidney Stones and Your Diet.” www.albertahealthservices.ca. Accessed August 31, 2023.
Kidney Foundation of Canada (2020) “Kidney Stones.” www.kidney.ca. Accessed August 31, 2023.
Mayo Clinic Staff (2022) “Kidney stones.” www.mayoclinic.org. Accessed August 31, 2023.
RADIMED (2023) “Kidney Stones: What Can I Do?” www.radimed.ca. Accessed August 31, 2023.
Urology Care Foundation (2023) “What are Kidney Stones?” www.urologyhealth.org. Accessed August 31, 2023.
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.
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 (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 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 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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
