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As one of the most frequently ordered types of medical imaging, X-ray is often the first step in using imaging to confirm a diagnosis and determine treatment options.
When the cause of your health concern, such as pain or swelling, is not easily identified through a physical exam and consultation with your doctor, medical imaging, such as X-ray, is often recommended to get a look at the area of concern.
An X-ray uses a type of electromagnetic radiation to create an image. The X-ray source sends a small amount of radiation through a body part and an image is produced as a result of the ways in which different internal structures absorb the radiation. They are particularly useful for looking at bones and dense tissues in your body.
Your doctor might order an X-ray to identify injuries or deformities within bone, or to verify how bones are healing. They could be used to detect infection of the sinuses or lungs, obstruction of the intestines, gall and kidney stones, and foreign objects within the body.
X-rays are very good a looking at bones, however they don’t see cartilage, muscles, tendons, or ligaments very well. This means that for acute injuries like an injured back, knee, ankle, or wrist, your doctor might not order an X-ray.
In fact, the vast majority of injuries that doctors see are not from broken bones, but strains or sprains of muscles and supporting tissue. For these types of suspected injuries, your doctor might order an ultrasound instead. Ultrasound is very good a looking at the soft tissues of the body. Sometimes both an X-ray and an ultrasound might be ordered together, particularly for musculoskeletal (joint or muscle) concerns like a torn tendon.
Your personal medical history will help determine which type of imaging is best suited to diagnose your concern. In determining appropriateness, there are a number of questions you could discuss with your doctor. What are your treatment options? What outcomes could be expected for each option? How do the different types of imaging work? What are the risks? What happens if you don’t have imaging? What happens after your exam?
Once your doctor has identified the need for an exam, you will be given a requisition form. X-rays are offered in the community on a walk-in basis at any medical imaging clinic, including 12 Mayfair Diagnostics locations in Calgary, one in Cochrane and one in Regina. Appointments are not required for general X-ray procedures; simply bring your form with you.
For ultrasound exams, once you have your requisition your doctor will book the exam for you, or you can call our Contact Centre to book an appointment.
Your 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 fellowship-trained 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 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, and walk-in clinics.
For more information about our locations, please visit our locations page. Please note that our Cochrane, Saskatoon, Southcentre, and Sunpark locations do NOT offer X-ray services.
REFERENCES
History.com Editors (2022) “German scientist discovers X-rays.” www.history.com. Accessed July 4, 2022.
Government of Alberta (2021) “Adult X-Ray: About This Test.” www.myhealth.alberta.ca. Accessed July 4, 2022.
Radiological Society of North America (2022) “Bone X-ray.” www.radiologyinfo.org. Accessed July 4, 2022.
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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.”
