What to expect during your appointment…
Ultrasound
Prior to your appointment
Depending on the procedure, you may need to alter your eating, drinking, and medication schedule. You will be given specific instructions to follow if this applies to you. Please refer to the PDF Patient Instructions — Preparation for Your Procedure form if you are unsure what preparation is required for your procedure.
What to bring to your appointment
Bring your referral form and a valid health card to your appointment. If you do not have a valid health card, or your card has expired, please bring your debit, Visa, or Mastercard as you will be asked to pay for the procedure prior to your exam.
What to wear
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your appointment. You may be asked to wear a gown, depending on the area of your body being examined. Avoid wearing jewelry to your appointment, as you may be asked to remove it for the procedure.
During the procedure
You will be asked to lay on a table and expose the area of your body being examined. The ultrasound technician will then apply a lubricated gel to your skin and use an ultrasound probe to capture a real-time image of the organ or tissue being assessed using sound waves. Depending on the area being examined, you may be asked to change positions in order to give the technician better access. Ultrasound procedures are quick and completely painless.
BMD
Prior to your appointment
You can eat and drink normally prior to your appointment unless instructed otherwise. Do not take a calcium or iron supplement on the day of your procedure. Please refer to the PDF Patient Instructions — Preparation for Your Procedure form if you are unsure what preparation is required for your procedure.
What to bring to your appointment
Bring your referral form and a valid health card to your appointment. If you do not have a valid health card, or your card has expired, please bring your debit, Visa, or Mastercard as you will be asked to pay for the procedure prior to your exam.
What to wear
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes to your exam. Try to avoid clothing with metal detailing, such as buttons, clasps, zippers, underwire bras, or belt buckles. Please try to avoid wearing body piercings, as they may interfere with obtaining an accurate X-ray image. Avoid wearing jewelry to your appointment, as you may be asked to remove it for your procedure.
During the procedure
During a BMD test, you will be asked to lie on your back on a soft table. X-rays are then used to measure the amount of mineral per square centimetre in your bones in order to assess your risk for osteoporosis and fractures. This test generally takes between 15 to 20 minutes and is completely painless.