Medical Imaging

Angiography makes it possible to take images of a blood vessel. This type of test is used to detect blockages in vessels, and to assist in the placement of central lines or other stents in the human body.

Preparing for angiography

• Do not consume any form of caffeine for 8 hours before the exam.
• Do not eat any solid foods for 4 hours before the exam.
• Do not take any medication for erectile dysfunction (e.g. Viagra® [sildenafil], Cialis® [tadalafil] and Levitra® [vardenafil]) within 72 hours of the exam.
• Take all your other medications as usual.
• Notify your primary care provider or radiologist if you are experiencing an acute asthma attack, as you should not take metoprolol before your exam (this medication may be administered during the exam).
• If you are pregnant or think you may be, please inform your primary health care provider and radiologist.

Exam procedure

• A member of our team will prepare you for your exam.
• You will be asked to lie on your back or stomach on the examination table.
• Sterile drapes will be applied to the part of the body to be examined, to minimize the risk of infection.
• The radiologist will carry out your exam or treatment with the assistance of our team.

Risks and complications

• Minimal exposure to radiation.
• Intravenous contrast media may cause medical problems or an allergic reaction (rare) in some people. Most reactions are mild and cause hives or itching, except in rarer cases where the allergic reaction can be severe. Be sure to notify your primary care provider if you've had a reaction to a contrast agent (X-ray dye) as part of a medical exam in the past.

Duration of exam

• You will be in the hospital for several hours.

After the exam

• You should not drive after the exam. Arrange for a driver to take you home.
• Please eat and drink plenty of fluids.

When will I receive my results?

• The radiologist will evaluate the results of the exam and produce a report that will be sent to your primary care provider.

Exam offered at the following facilities

• Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont UHC
• Edmundston Regional Hospital
• Chaleur Regional Hospital

Computed tomography or CT scan is a method for taking slice images of anatomical structures in the body. CT scanning is a means of obtaining 2D and 3D images.

Preparing for a CT scan

• You may be asked not to eat anything for 4 hours before the exam.
• You may be asked to drink up to 1000 mL (4 cups) of water before the exam.
• You may be asked to drink a contrast agent 1 hour before the exam.
• A routine blood test may be required prior to the exam.
• You could be fitted with an intravenous line to inject a contrast medium.
• If you are pregnant or think you may be, please inform your primary care provider and the technologist.

Exam procedure

• The technologist will lay you on your back on one of the machines.
• You will be asked a number of questions relevant to your condition in order to better assess your results.
• You may be injected with a contrast agent for the exam.
• During the exam, you must remain still and maybe hold your breath for a few seconds.

Risks and complications

• Exposure to radiation.
• Intravenous contrast media may cause medical problems or an allergic reaction (rare) in some people. Most reactions are mild and cause hives or itching, except in rarer cases where the allergic reaction can be severe. Be sure to notify your primary care provider if you've had a reaction to a contrast agent (X-ray dye) as part of a medical exam in the past.
• Tell your doctor or the technologist if you are or could be pregnant. If you are pregnant or think you may be, we will assess your particular situation and determine whether the exam would pose a risk to your pregnancy. If it is determined that the possibility of pregnancy is too high, you may be asked to postpone the exam.

Duration of exam

• The exam lasts from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the part of the body to be examined.

After the exam

• If you have been administered a contrast agent, we may give you special instructions to follow.
• After the exam, you may be asked to drink plenty of fluids to help your kidneys eliminate the contrast agent from your system.
• You may be asked to stay in the Radiology Department for a short time after the exam to make sure you are feeling well.

When will I receive my results?

• The radiologist will evaluate the results of the exam and produce a report that will be sent to your primary care provider.

Offered at the following facilities

• Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont UHC
• Edmundston Regional Hospital
• Campbellton Regional Hospital
• Chaleur Regional Hospital
• Tracadie Hospital

A radiology (X-ray) is a rapid exam that produces images of structures inside the body, particularly bones. X-rays pass through the body (or part of the body) to produce images of the internal composition of the human body.

Fluoroscopy is a form of radiography that enables doctors to observe internal organs and structures in motion. A contrast agent (dye) is administered by injection, ingestion or enema. The dye enables the area of the body being examined to be seen more clearly on a monitor or screen.

Fluoroscopy exams include, among others:

• Upper gastrointestinal series: examination of the pharynx, esophagus, stomach and upper regions of the small intestine.
• Barium enema (serial images of the lower digestive tract): exam of the large intestine.
• Hysterosalpingography (hystero): exam of the uterus and fallopian tubes.

Preparing for an X-ray

• Your health care team will give you further instructions to help you prepare for your X-ray exam. Each type of exam has its own specific preparations. For example, you may be asked not to eat or drink several hours before certain types of exam, while other types of exam have no restrictions.
• Please remove any continuous glucose monitor (CGM) or insulin pump. Remember, all components of these devices or monitoring systems could be damaged and must not be exposed during X-ray, CT scan, MRI or any other exam using radiation or strong electromagnetic fields.
• Please leave your valuables at home, including jewelry, to avoid losing them or having them stolen, as they must be removed before entering the examination room.

Exam procedure

• The technologist will place you in the appropriate positions to obtain the diagnostic images requested by your health care provider.
• Some images require you to be in a standing or sitting position, or lying on your back, stomach or side.
• The technologist must adhere to standards of practice that keep radiation as low as reasonably possible, while achieving concrete results.

Risks and complications

• Low radiation dose.
• Tell your doctor or the technologist if you are or could be pregnant. If you are pregnant or think you may be, we will assess your particular situation and determine whether the exam would pose a risk to your pregnancy. If it is determined that the possibility of pregnancy is too high, you may be asked to postpone the exam.

Duration of exam

• 3 to 5 minutes per body part
• 20 to 40 minutes for certain specialized exams (fluoroscopic)

When will I receive my results?

• The radiologist will evaluate the results of the exam and produce a report that will be sent to your primary care provider.

Offered at the following facilities

• Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont UHC
• Stella Maris de Kent Hospital
• Edmundston Regional Hospital
• Grand Falls General Hospital
• Hôtel-Dieu Saint-Joseph de Saint-Quentin
• Campbellton Regional Hospital
• St-Joseph Community Health Centre (Dalhousie)
• Chaleur Regional Hospital
• Tracadie Hospital
• Enfant-Jésus RHSJ✝ Hospital (Caraquet)
• Lamèque Hospital and Community Health Centre

Ultrasound is a type of exam that uses inaudible high-frequency sound waves to produce images of structures inside the body. The waves enable visualization of organs, soft tissues, blood vessels and tissues.

Ultrasound procedure

• Ultrasound technologists will place a gel-coated probe (which helps transmit sound waves) on the part of the body to be examined. They will apply light pressure with the probe.
• Most ultrasound scans are performed using a device outside the body, while others are performed by inserting a device into the body.

Preparing for an ultrasound scan

• You may be asked to put on a hospital gown for your exam.
• Your health care team will give you further instructions to help you prepare for your exam. Each type of exam has its own specific preparations.
  Possible preparations are :
  
  • Fasting 3 hours before the exam.
  • Fasting 7 hours before your appointment.
  • Fasting from 10 p.m. the day before your appointment.
  • A full bladder: Start drinking 1 litre (32 oz) of water an hour and a half before your appointment time. You must be done drinking the water one hour before your appointment. DO NOT URINATE after drinking the water.
  • Do not use any deodorant or powders.
• Please leave your valuables at home, including jewelry, to avoid losing them or having them stolen, as they must be removed before entering the examination room.

**It is important that the patient follows the preparation instructions to the letter to ensure that the exam goes smoothly. If you are scheduled for an ultrasound, but aren't sure how to prepare, please contact the facility that performs ultrasounds in your area.

When will I receive my results?

• The radiologist will evaluate the results of the exam and produce a report that will be sent to your primary care provider.

Offered at the following facilities

• Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont UHC
• Stella Maris de Kent Hospital
• Edmundston Regional Hospital
• Grand Falls General Hospital
• Hôtel-Dieu Saint-Joseph de Saint-Quentin
• Campbellton Regional Hospital
• Chaleur Regional Hospital
• Tracadie Hospital

Nuclear medicine is a branch of medical imaging that uses a radioactive substance to produce diagnostic images of the body or to treat disease. Information on the functioning of the body's various organs and systems can be obtained through these exams.

Preparing for a nuclear medicine exam

• Fasting for the exam. This instruction will be given to you by your health care provider or a member of the hospital staff.
• Depending on the case, images may be acquired immediately, a few hours or even a few days after administration of the radioactive substance.

Exam procedure

• The technologist will inject or give you an oral dose of radioactive material.
• It will take several minutes for the product to take effect.
• The technologist will place you in the appropriate positions to obtain the desired images, probably lying on your back.
• The acquisition camera will pick up the radiation coming from your body, and the technologist will be able to capture the desired images.
• The technologist must adhere to standards of practice that keep radiation as low as reasonably possible, while achieving concrete results.

Risks and complications

• Exposure to radiation.
• Reactions to radioactive material (rare).
• Tell your doctor or the technologist if you are or could be pregnant. If you are pregnant or think you may be, we will assess your particular situation and determine whether the exam would pose a risk to your pregnancy. If it is determined that the possibility of pregnancy is too high, you may be asked to postpone the exam.

Duration of a nuclear medicine exam

•  From 5 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the exam.

After the procedure

• We recommend that you drink plenty of fluids.
• If you need to cross an international border after your exam, for example into the U.S., please notify the technologist. You will be given a letter stating that you have received a dose of radioactive substance. Detection systems at border crossings may detect residual radioactivity in your body up to a few months after the procedure.
• If you are breastfeeding, it may be necessary to stop for a few hours or permanently, depending on the type of radioactive substance used for the exam.

When will I receive my results?

• The radiologist will evaluate the results of the exam and produce a report that will be sent to your primary care provider.

Offered at the following facilities

• Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont UHC
• Edmundston Regional Hospital
• Chaleur Regional Hospital

Mammography is the taking of images of the breast using X-rays.

Diagnostic mammography is performed to obtain information on any lumps, changes in the skin of the breasts (retraction, wrinkling or calcification) or other breast abnormalities.

This screening exam can also be recommended to patients aged 40 to 75, even those with no known breast problems or symptoms.

Preparing for a mammography

• Do not use lotion
• Do not use cream
• Do not use perfume
• Do not use deodorant

Exam procedure

• The technologist will inject or give you an oral dose of radioactive material.
• The exam is performed in a standing position.
• The technologist will place the breast on the X-ray machine.
• A compression plate will flatten the breast tissue during image acquisition.
• The technologist must adhere to standards of practice that keep radiation as low as reasonably possible, while achieving concrete results.

Risks and complications

• Exposure to radiation.
• Intravenous contrast media may cause medical problems or an allergic reaction (rare) in some people. Most reactions are mild and cause hives or itching, except in rarer cases where the allergic reaction can be severe. Be sure to notify your primary care provider if you've had a reaction to a contrast agent (X-ray dye) as part of a medical exam in the past.
• Tell your doctor or the technologist if you are or could be pregnant. If you are pregnant or think you may be, we will assess your particular situation and determine whether the exam would pose a risk to your pregnancy. If it is determined that the possibility of pregnancy is too high, you may be asked to postpone the exam.

Duration of an exam

•  10 to 30 minutes

When will I receive my results?

• The radiologist will evaluate the results of the exam and produce a report that will be sent to your primary care provider.

Offered at the following facilities

• Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont UHC
• Edmundston Regional Hospital
• Grand Falls General Hospital
• Campbellton Regional Hospital
• Chaleur Regional Hospital
• Enfant-Jésus RHSJ✝ Hospital (Caraquet)

MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. This involves taking detailed images of the body's internal structures using magnetic waves. In an MRI scan, a large magnet, radio waves and a computer are used to produce 2D and 3D images of organs and other internal structures.

Preparing for an MRI exam

• A questionnaire on safety requirements must be completed. This questionnaire will identify any metal objects that may be in your body, such as surgical staples, prostheses, metal implants and the like.
• You may be asked to fast 4 hours before the exam.
• You may be asked to drink a preparation before the exam.
• You may receive an intravenous injection of contrast material.
• Please remove any transdermal patches before the exam.
• Please remove any continuous glucose monitor (CGM).
• Please leave your valuables at home, including jewelry, to avoid losing them or having them stolen, as they must be removed before entering the examination room.
• If you experience claustrophobia-related anxiety, your doctor may prescribe an oral medication that you can take to your MRI scan.

Exam procedure

• The patient lies on his or her back or stomach in the device.
• It is crucial to remain still during the exam.
• You will be given earplugs to mask the noise of the machine.
• You may have to hold your breath during the exam.
• If you feel uncomfortable during the exam, you can speak to the MRI technologist over the intercom.

Risks and complications

• Intravenous contrast media may cause medical problems or an allergic reaction (rare) in some people. Most reactions are mild and cause hives or itching, except in rarer cases where the allergic reaction can be severe. Be sure to notify your primary care provider if you've had a reaction to a contrast agent (X-ray dye) as part of a medical exam in the past.
• Tell your doctor or the technologist if you are or could be pregnant. If you are pregnant or think you may be, we will assess your particular situation and determine whether the exam would pose a risk to your pregnancy. If it is determined that the possibility of pregnancy is too high, you may be asked to postpone the exam.

Duration of an MRI exam

• 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the part of the body being examined.

When will I receive my results?

• The radiologist will evaluate the results of the exam and produce a report that will be sent to your primary care provider.

Offered at the following facilities

• Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont UHC
• Edmundston Regional Hospital
• Campbellton Regional Hospital
• Chaleur Regional Hospital

Bone densitometry is a bone density test that uses X-rays to measure bone strength.

Preparing for bone densitometry

• If you have undergone an exam using a contrast agent (e.g. a barium enema), you should wait one month before undergoing bone densitometry.
• Do not take calcium supplements within 24 hours of the exam.
• You may be asked to remove certain items of clothing and wear a hospital gown for the exam.
• You may be asked to fill out a questionnaire when you arrive for your appointment.
• It is important to provide a list of all the medications you are taking.

Exam procedure

• You will lie on your back on the examination table.
• The technologist will expose the relevant anatomical parts to obtain the images requested by your health care provider.

Duration of exam

• 10 to 20 minutes.

When will I receive my results?

• The radiologist will evaluate the results of the exam and produce a report that will be sent to your primary care provider.

Offered at the following facilities

• Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont UHC
• Edmundston Regional Hospital
• Campbellton Regional Hospital
• Chaleur Regional Hospital

In a PET-CT scan, a specialized radioactive substance (also known as an indicator) is used to produce diagnostic images of the body. Two types of imaging are used: positron emission tomography (or PET), which provides information on the functioning of certain tissues and organs; and computed tomography (CT Scan), which offers further information about the inside of the body.

Preparing for a PET-CT scan

• The day before the exam
  
  • Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water throughout the day (unless otherwise indicated).
  • Do not engage in any strenuous activity for 24 hours prior to the exam (i.e. no exercise, housework or outdoor maintenance).
  • Follow the department's instructions on how to take your medication.
  • Follow the special diet required the day before your exam, if necessary.
  • Notify the department if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, in which case you will receive special instructions.
• The day of the exam
• Follow the department's instructions on when to start fasting. Once you've started fasting, you can drink unflavoured water.
  However, YOU CANNOT consume the following foods and products: juice, coffee, tea, gum, candy, flavoured water, artificial sweeteners, cough drops, etc.
  
  • Drink 2 to 3 glasses of unflavoured water before your appointment, unless otherwise indicated.
  • Take your medication with water in the morning. If you are diabetic, follow the instructions received from the department.
  • Bring your medications to your appointment. If you are diabetic, bring your glucometer and other diabetic equipment.

PET-CT scan duration

• 3 to 5 hours

Risks and complications

• Exposure to radiation from the radioactive substance (indicator) and CT scan.
• Reactions to radioactive material (rare).
• If you have suffered from claustrophobia in the past during exams such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), you can bring a calming medication prescribed by your health care provider (someone on the department will tell you what time to take it).

After the exam

• As far as possible, avoid contact with pregnant women and children under one year of age after your exam, until midnight.
• If you need to cross an international border after your exam, for example to the United States, please notify the technologist. You will be given a letter stating that you have received a dose of radioactive substance. Detection systems at border crossings may detect residual radioactivity in your body up to a few months after the exam.

When will I receive my results?

• The radiologist will evaluate the results of the exam and produce a report that will be sent to your primary care provider.

Offered at the following facilities

• • Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont UHC

Contrast agents are used in certain diagnostic exams (CT scan, MRI, angiography, fluoroscopy, nuclear medicine, ultrasound or PET-CT). They are used to artificially increase contrast in order to better visualize an organ or pathology. They are usually injected intravenously a few minutes or even seconds before the exam.

Type of contrast agent we use

• Iodine (ISOVUE, OMNIPAQUE, etc.)
• Gastrografin
• Gadolinium (Gadovist, Prohance, etc.)
• Barium (orally)

All contrast agents can cause minor or sometimes severe reactions (anaphylactic shock). These reactions, called "immediate hypersensitivity reactions,” are often unpredictable and may occur immediately after injection.

• If you are allergic to a contrast medium, report it to the medical team.
• If you have had an abnormal reaction to a previous administration of a contrast agent, discuss it with your medical team.
• After injection, you should report any symptoms of swelling, itching, erythema, hives or other discomforts to your caregivers immediately.

Technologists

• Diagnostic imaging technologists are health care professionals who, using radiation or other means, produce diagnostic images of anatomical parts of their patients' bodies.
• Technologists can specialize in one or more modalities.

Radiologists

• Radiologists are doctors specializing in diagnostic imaging. They interpret images taken by technologists and write diagnostic reports on them.

Nurses

• Medical imaging nurses have a care role more focused on patient comfort during image-guided procedures. They prepare certain procedures, apply dressings and administer medication.
  
  

Clerks (reception and appointments)

• Reception and appointment clerks record and file patient information , answer the phone, greet patients and give patient instructions to organize days in the various medical imaging areas.
  
  

Aides

• Aides transport hospitalized patients from one department to another using stretchers, wheelchairs, beds, etc.
• Help transfer patients from the stretcher to the examination table.

Administration

• Takes care of staff management and the smooth running of the department.
  
  

Transcription

• Includes professionals who type and in some cases transcribe radiologists' dictations.