FAQs

Q: How do I prepare for my ultrasound exam?
A: There are various preparations required depending on your exam •ABDOMEN (includes studies of the GALL BLADDER, PANCREAS, SPLEEN, LIVER, KIDNEYS and AORTA).If your appointment is in the morning, do not eat or drink anything after 8 p.m. the night before. If your appointment is in the afternoon, for breakfast you may eat dry toast, black tea, black coffee, juice up to 9 a.m. Nothing to eat or drink after that. These instructions are important as we require you to have an empty stomach.

• PELVIS including TRANSVAGINAL (UTERUS, OVARIES BLADDER) and PREGNANCY (OBSTETRICAL)You must have completed drinking 1 hour before your appointment. You must drink 32 oz./1 litre, (4 large glasses) of fluids.

This can include coffee, tea, juice, water, etc. not milk. Do not go to the washroom. You must have a full bladder for this examination. We will try to examine you as soon as possible on arrival so that you will not have to be uncomfortable for too long. Eat the meal nearest your examination – There is no reason not to eat.

• ABDOMEN and PELVIS examinations COMBINED. Do not eat anything 12 hours prior to the examination. Finish drinking 32 oz. (1 L) of water ONLY one hour before your examination. Do not go to the washroom.
• IPS/NT the ultrasound examination MUST be completed before the blood test.

Both ultrasound and blood test MUST be done the same day. The preparation for IPS/NT ultrasound is the same as for PELVIS ultrasound (full bladder) •PROSTATE WITH TRANSRECTAL32oz./1 litre, (4 large glasses) of water 1 hour before appointment. Do not go to the washroom. Take mild laxative the evening before. (PROSTATE ONLY OMIT LAXATIVE)

Q: How is a vascular ultrasound exam performed?
A: The technologist will apply a water-based gel to the skin surface in the area being examined. The gel helps to transmit the ultrasound waves. The technologist will guide a transducer over the skin surface to examine the blood vessel.

Q: How is an arterial evaluation performed?
A: If an arterial examination of the arms or legs is ordered, the technologist may use blood pressure cuffs to evaluate the circulation.

Q: What happens if I’m late for my appointment?
A: Depending on how late you are, the technician will try their best to accommodate you. If the technician feels they still  have enough time they will perform your test. If they feel they don’t have enough time before the next patient comes in, we will try our best to give you our next available appointment.

Q: How do I book an appointment?
A: You can walk-in or call our office at 416-921-1333,
A: Have your doctor fax your requisition/referral to 416-921-0444, then you can call to make your appointment.

We prefer this so that we know exactly what kind of ultrasound was requested.

Q: What happens if I need to reschedule/cancel my appointment?
A: We all know that sometimes emergencies come up quickly, but please try your best to call our office 24 hours in advance.

Q: Do I need a requisition/referral to come to Toronto Ultrasound Imaging for my diagnostic imaging tests.
A: Yes you do, you require a requisition/referral signed by your physician to come to Toronto Ultrasound Imaging.

Q: Does my requisition/referral have to be from Toronto Ultrasound Imaging?
A: No your requisition/referral does not have to be from Toronto Ultrasound Imaging.

You can use any requisition/referral form from any clinic as long as it’s ordered and signed by a physician.

Q: How do I get referred to Toronto Ultrasound Imaging?
A: You can conveniently print our requisition off our website and take it in with you when you go in to see your doctor. Your doctor must sign the requisition and choose the specific tests you need done.

Q: How long will my appointment be?
A: General ultrasounds usually take up to 30 minutes. Vascular Ultrasound will take 45 min on average.

Sometimes during difficult cases it will take a bit longer.

Q: Does it take long to get an appointment at Toronto Ultrasound Imaging?
A: No, it does not take long at all. We are well known to get patients on the same day.

Q: Do I have to pay for my Ultrasound?
A: No, all diagnostic imaging tests are covered by OHIP. Make sure you bring a valid health card and requisition/referral form to your appointment. If you do not have a valid health card, then you would have to pay for the cost of the imaging tests.

Q: How long does it take to get my results sent to my doctor?
A: Toronto Ultrasound Imaging results are sent out within 2-3 days automatically through our fax system and also mailed out by the secretary.

Q: Will it hurt?
A: No. It won’t, this is painless procedure.