Diagnostic Imaging Services

X-Rays

X-rays are electromagnetic radiation waves used to create images of tissues within the human body. Because of its high energy and short wavelength, x-rays are able to penetrate the body's tissues and bones. The amount of x-rays that pass through will depend on the composition and mass of the tissues.

The risk of radiation is known to be extremely small in modern x-ray facilities using state-of-the-art techniques and equipment. Lead "aprons" and lead shields are used to protect the reproductive organs during most x-ray procedures.

Radiation has known effects to the fetus so pregnant women or women who think they may be pregnant should avoid having an x-ray examination until their healthcare provider can provide a benefit versus risk analysis.

Preparation Instructions
To obtain preparation instructions for your upcoming test/procedure, click on a link below. You will be taken to a reliable, third-party website: www.radiologyinfo.org, a certified radiology website that is updated frequently to provide you with current information. Southlake Regional Health Centre supports the information provided on the following pages and will advise you of specific preparation instructions should they differ from the information below.

Arthrography
Bone Densitometry
Catheter Angiography
Children's (Pediatric) Voiding Cystourethrogram
Hysterosalpingography
Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)
Lower Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract X-ray (Barium Enema)
Mammography
Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Series/ESD (Barium Meal)
X-ray (Radiography), Bone
X-ray (Radiography), Chest
X-ray (Radiography), Lower GI Tract
X-ray (Radiography), Upper GI Tract

For information on resources available to you during your hospital visit or stay (for example: parking, what to bring, discharge times and other helpful information) please click on Patients and Visitors.