West Parry Sound Health Centre uses state-of-the-art technology to provide accurate and reliable diagnostic imaging. Regardless of which diagnostic test you are here for, our experienced team ensures that you receive timely and precise results to support your health and treatment plans. With a commitment to patient care, we prioritize comfort and safety in every procedure, helping you stay informed and confident in your health care journey.
Please note that echocardiograms (echoes) are not completed in our Medical Imaging Department. Patients arriving for this testing will be directed to the Internal Medicine Offices on our 4th floor).
Our Medical Imaging Department is open Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., but our staff are also on-call to provide urgent services 24/7 within our community. If you need to reach our Medical Imaging Department you can do so by calling 705-746-4540 ext. 3602.
We ask that patients arrive 15 mins prior, or as instructing during booking, to their appointment and bring their health cards to ensure they are registered in time.
A bone density scan, also called a DEXA scan, is a quick, painless test that measures the strength and density of your bones using a small amount of X-ray radiation. It’s commonly used to detect conditions like osteoporosis, where bones become weak and more likely to break. The scan focuses on areas like the spine, hip, and wrist, and helps doctors assess bone health, especially for people at higher risk, such as postmenopausal women or older adults. The results are given as a score that compares your bone density to healthy young adults or others of the same age, helping doctors determine if you have normal bone density, low bone density, or osteoporosis. The procedure takes about 10-20 minutes and requires no special preparation.
A CT (Computed Tomography) scan is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses X-rays and computer processing to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body. It provides more detailed information than regular X-rays, allowing doctors to view soft tissues, bones, and blood vessels in greater detail. CT scans are commonly used to diagnose conditions like injuries, infections, cancers, and internal bleeding. The procedure is quick, painless, and typically requires the patient to lie on a table while the scanner rotates around their body. In some cases, a contrast dye may be used to enhance the images for better clarity.
An echocardiogram is a non-invasive test that uses sound waves (ultrasound) to create images of your heart. It helps doctors assess the heart’s structure and function, including how well the heart is pumping blood, the condition of the heart valves, and the size of the heart chambers. This test is often used to diagnose heart conditions like heart disease, heart failure, or valve problems. During the procedure, a gel is applied to your chest, and a small device called a transducer is moved over the area to capture images. The test is painless and typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.
An X-ray is a fast, non-invasive imaging technique that uses a small amount of radiation to create images of the inside of the body. It is commonly used to view bones and detect fractures, infections, or abnormalities like tumors. During the procedure, the patient is positioned in front of an X-ray machine, and the radiation passes through the body to create images on a film or digital detector. Different tissues absorb the radiation in varying amounts, allowing bones to appear white and softer tissues, like muscles and organs, to appear in shades of gray. X-rays are typically quick, simple, and provide valuable information to help diagnose medical conditions.
Mammography is a specialized X-ray imaging technique used to examine the breast tissue for signs of abnormalities, such as lumps, tumors, or other changes that could indicate breast cancer or other conditions. During a mammogram, the breast is placed between two plates that gently compress the tissue, allowing clear X-ray images to be captured from different angles. This compression helps spread out the breast tissue, improving the quality of the images and allowing for better detection of any potential issues.
Diagnostic Mammography
Diagnostic examinations are performed for individuals who have a personal history of breast cancer or who are experiencing symptoms (lump, thickening, pain, discharge etc.) in their breast tissue.
Routine Screening
Mammography is an important tool in breast cancer screening, as it can detect early signs of cancer even before symptoms appear. It is generally quick, with the procedure lasting only a few minutes. WPSHC is a part of Ontario Breast Screening Program, which is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health to provide mammograms for women (residents of Ontario) with no personal history breast cancer, no current breast symptoms, and no implants
General Ultrasound
A general ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of the inside of the body. During the procedure, a gel is applied to the skin, and a small device called a transducer is moved over the area being examined. The transducer emits sound waves that bounce off tissues and organs, which are then captured and converted into images. General ultrasounds are commonly used to assess organs like the liver, kidneys, heart, and bladder, as well as to monitor pregnancy and check for conditions like cysts, tumors, and inflammation.
Vascular Ultrasound
A vascular ultrasound is a specific type of ultrasound used to examine blood vessels and blood flow in the body. It helps detect conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), varicose veins, arterial blockages, or aneurysms. During a vascular ultrasound, a gel is applied to the skin, and a transducer is used to create images of the blood vessels. It can also measure the flow of blood through arteries and veins, using Doppler technology to assess the speed and direction of blood flow. This type of ultrasound is key in diagnosing and monitoring vascular conditions that may affect circulation.
Related Resources
How do I get there?
