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Oral Contrast

Computed tomography (CT) is an advanced imaging system that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce comprehensive images of specific areas of your body, including your bones, chest, head, joints, lungs, and spine. CT scans give a much more detailed picture than regular X-rays and can identify many conditions that may escape detection on other imaging tests.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a strong magnetic field to provide very clear images of the body and is often ordered to help diagnose stroke, aneurysms, or multiple sclerosis. Using magnets and radiofrequency waves MRI can help find diseases of the brain, spine, skeleton, abdomen, and soft tissues.

CT and MRI exams are often ordered when more detail is needed based on results of other studies, when the cause of symptoms is unclear during a physical exam or when an asymptomatic patient has increased risk of certain disease. They can be performed on any part of the body.

Contrast is an injectable dye administered intravenously to highlight a specific area of interest, or directly into a joint (arthrogram). It can also be taken orally. Targeted body areas will absorb the contrast dye and will glow on the CT or MRI scan, allowing for a more detailed image. There is a risk of allergic reaction to the contrast agent, so you will be asked about your allergies and other medical conditions when booking your exam.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY EXAM?

  • Take all prescribed medications as directed.
  • Please let us know if you are, or may be, pregnant, or if you’ve had recent surgery.
  • Please also inform us if you have metal in your body. Here is a list of metal objects that may be a concern. Your technologist may ask you to remove any metallic objects, which are unsafe near the MRI magnet.
  • FOR ALL ABDOMINAL EXAMS: Please have nothing to eat or drink (except water) four hours prior to your exam.
  • If oral contrast is prescribed, you may be asked to drink between 500-1500 ml of water mixed with 10 ml of Omnipaque contrast.
  • ENTEROGRAPHY EXAMS: Please have nothing to eat or drink (except water) after midnight prior to your exam. Please arrive 70 minutes prior to your exam for oral contrast.
  • For CT exams with oral contrast, please arrive two hours prior to your scheduled exam time – unless otherwise specified at the time of booking. 
  • Bring photo identification and your provincial health card. 
  • Wear comfortable clothes. 
  • Please do not bring children who require supervision. 

WHAT HAPPENS DURING MY EXAM?

  • You may be asked to change into scrubs.
  • You will be asked to lie on your back on the bed of the scanner, which will then be adjusted for correct placement.
  • If needed, your technologist will then set up an intravenous (IV) line for the contrast solution.
  • For patients over 50 years of age who are receiving an IV, a creatinine blood test will be required.
  • Your technologist will position you on the cushioned scanner table in the exam suite. We will do our best to make you comfortable.
  • For MRI, it can be loud, so you will be provided with headphones or ear plugs to reduce the noise. Eye masks are available upon request for patients who have difficulty relaxing in a confined space. You are also given an emergency call bell to stop the exam, if needed.
  • For MRI, a sensor will be positioned around the body part being scanned. The table will then move slowly into the MRI scanner, which is well lit and ventilated.
  • Your technologist will leave the room to begin your exam, but you will be in direct communication throughout your procedure.
  • Your technologist will take several initial scans, then administer the contrast solution through your IV to enhance your remaining images.
  • You will be asked to hold very still, as movement may result in blurring of images. Your technologist will be close by at all times.
  • You may be asked to hold your breath for some of the images. Breath holds can last between 5-25 seconds.
  • Once we have successfully captured your images, your IV will be removed (if you have one) and you are free to leave.

WHEN WILL I GET MY RESULTS?

We do our best to have our radiologists interpret the information and forward the results to your doctor in a timely manner. Please consult with your doctor regarding your results and any follow up exams or questions.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

In Calgary, CT and MRI exams are provided at our Mayfair Place location as private pay exams and are not covered by Alberta Health Care. Prices are per body area. If additional body areas are scheduled within the same appointment, discounts apply. For example, the abdomen is one body area, while the spine is divided into three body areas. We also offer CT Health Assessment packages.

In Saskatchewan, we provide MRIs as a publicly funded, community-based service under contract with the Saskatchewan Health Authority and as a private pay exam. Private MRI services in Saskatchewan are provided in accordance with and under the legislation of the Province of Saskatchewan. Pricing is per body area, similar to Alberta pricing (with similar discounts).

We offer a 10% Seniors discount (65+) that can be applied to the first exam.

Your health spending account or group medical insurance plan may cover the cost of a private CT or MRI that is prescribed by a qualified health care practitioner. You will need to check with your plan administrator for coverage details.

CT contrast is an additional cost of $125. MRI contrast is $250.

FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

Please ensure that you bring your requisition with you to your appointment.

QUESTIONS?

DURATION

Exam: 90 minutes

LOCATION

PRICING

  • Alberta CT/MRI Price List

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need a doctor's referral?
Yes, all CT and MRI exams (including those part of Mayfair's Health Assessment packages) require a referral from your health care provider. You can download a referral form on our website.
Is a preventative screening CT scan right for me?
Most physicians endorse routine screening beginning at age 50. Screening should begin earlier (usually at age 40) for patients with one or more risk factors: a family history of colon cancer or heart disease; a history of diabetes; high cholesterol or high blood pressure; an inactive lifestyle; weight problems; or concerns about abdominal disease, pelvic disease or osteoporosis, etc.
Are there size or weight restrictions?
Mayfair's wide-bore scanners offer a more comfortable imaging experience, especially for larger patients or those who are prone to anxiety in tight spaces. Feet first scanning capacity, flexible design configurations, and padding provide optimal patient comfort. If you're nervous about sizing, measure your body at the widest point (usually across your abdomen or from shoulder to shoulder) and if the measurement is less than 70 centimetres, you should fit. If you are claustrophobic, you can come in for a fitting at NO charge to make sure you will be comfortable during the exam. Patients whose weight exceeds 226 kilograms (500 lbs) may be unable to have a scan.
What is contrast and why might it be required?
A contrast solution is administered to enhance the images of your tissues and organs. If required, it can be administered intravenously when you arrive for your scan, or you may be instructed to take it orally several hours before your scan. If your test involves a contrast solution, you may need to fast for a few hours before your exam.
Are there any risks?
The exposure to radiation from a CT scan is higher than that of standard X-rays, but the associated risk is still small. For example, the radiation exposure from one low-dose CT scan of the abdomen is similar to the exposure from the earth's natural background radiation over six months. In most cases, the benefits of a CT, such as the early detection of a serious illness, outweigh the small increased risk from radiation exposure. If your exam requires intravenous contrast, there is a small risk of allergic reaction to the contrast agent. Diabetes, asthma, heart disease, kidney problems, or thyroid conditions also increase your risk of a reaction to contrast. There are no known health hazards from temporary exposure to an MRI, and this exam does not use radiation. However, MRI images are taken using a strong magnetic field, which can attract metal objects or may cause metal in your body to move. Before an MRI is performed all internal metal objects will need to be confirmed as safe for an MRI. For certain types of MRI scans, the magnetic field can change and create loud knocking noises, which require ear protection and may be concerning to some patients. In addition, some patients may find the inside of the MRI scanner to be uncomfortably small and may experience claustrophobia.
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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.