- All
- Bone Mineral Densitometry (BMD)
- DEXA Total Body Composition Scan
- General
- Mammography
- Nuclear Medicine
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
Yes. However, please understand that it is not always possible for a female (or male) technologist to be available at the time of your test unless you have requested in advance. If you have a preference for a male or female technologist, please advise the clerk when booking your test and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
Parking is free at our locations in Kanata & Limoges. At our location in Nepean, we have four “no charge” 10 minute parking spots reserved for people who are dropping in to book appointments. Please adhere to the 10 minute restriction to avoid being ticketed.
Parking is free at our locations in Kanata & Limoges.
There is a mandatory $4 charge for our location in Nepean that is payable by coin and credit card only. All must pay.
Yes. When you register for your test please inform the receptionist that you would like a copy of the report sent to another doctor.
The length of time it will take for your doctor to get your test results depends on the type of test you are having done. Most cases are reported and either faxed or emailed to your doctor within 1-2 business days. In the case of some specialized tests, it could take up to 5 business days for your doctor to receive the report. As a professional courtesy to your doctor, MMI asks that you allow your doctor at least 5 business days before expecting results from your doctor.
It is strongly discouraged. You will be here for a medical exam and in order to provide high quality imaging, we take all measures possible to minimize distractions during your test. Additionally, certain tests involve exposure to radiation, in which case children are not permitted to accompany you, as this poses health and safety as well as liability issues for MMI.
No. Unfortunately, due to the out-patient nature of our clinic, we are not equipped with lifting equipment. If we attempt to transfer you without the use of a lift, we risk causing injury to both the patient and our staff. If you only require minimal assistance then we may be able to accommodate you. It is recommended that you bring someone along with you to assist you with transfers.
Yes. Quebec patients must pay for their test on the day it is performed using debit or credit (Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover). When booking your test, please inform the clerk that you are a Quebec resident and they will provide you with an approximate cost for your exam.
No, not usually. At MMI we pride ourselves in having short waiting lists. Some tests have longer wait times than others, but in general the waiting list for most procedures is less than 2 weeks. In the case of specialized tests, such as ultrasound arterials, the wait time can be weeks to months.
You can book an appointment by coming into our office located at 1370 Clyde Ave. or by calling 613-727-1072 and selecting option “1”.
No. We accept requisitions from anywhere, as long as the requisition is complete and signed by your doctor.
A requisition is an official request for a test and is treated as a “prescription”. From a medical legal perspective, we are only able to perform tests which have been ordered by your doctor. Your requisition must be complete and signed by your doctor to be valid.
All tests, with the exception of x-ray, require an appointment. X-ray is scheduled on a walk-in basis only.
No. The Ontario government does not allow CT and MRI scanning to be performed at private clinics. You must visit a hospital to have these tests done.
MMI offers a wide range of diagnostic imaging services including general x-ray, mammography, bone mineral density, ultrasound and nuclear medicine.
We ask you to change so that the water-based lubricating gel used during the test does not get your clothing wet. If you choose not to change we will still perform your test, however we cannot guarantee that your clothing will remain free from gel.
Yes. If you feel discomfort please tell the sonographer immediately. Occasionally it is necessary to press very firmly in order to image your anatomy well. Adjustments can often be made during the test to lessen the discomfort or, if you prefer, we can stop the test.
Sometimes there are alternative tests that can be performed that are less uncomfortable. The sonographer or your doctor will discuss these options with you should you decide to stop the test before completion. If you decide to stop the test, we will let you know if we feel there was enough information obtained for the test to be diagnostic so that you do not need to return.
Yes. If you are required to fast for your test it is ok to take your medication with a small sip of water. If you need to take your medication with food, please bring your medication with you and take it immediately after your test.
We try schedule diabetic patients first thing in the morning so that they can take their insulin or diabetic medications as early as possible in the day. When booking your test, please advise the booking clerk that you are diabetic so that we can schedule your test accordingly.
No. We do not permit videotaping of the examination using cell phones or other electronic devices. More specifically the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM), whose policies we observe, does not recommend the use of diagnostic ultrasound for entertainment purposes. We are, however, happy to provide you with a couple of still images of your baby at no cost.
It is difficult for us to visualize your bladder with ultrasound unless it is full of fluid. Having a full bladder will also push the bowel out of the way and help to visualize other pelvic structures more clearly.
In this case you should release just enough urine so that the pain goes away (approximately ½ – 1 cup of urine).
When you smoke or chew gum you ingest a small amount of air and this can make it difficult for us to visualize your abdominal organs well. To ensure the best image quality possible, avoid smoking and chewing gum for 2 hours prior to your scheduled test.
After eating, air accumulates in your stomach and bowel which can make it difficult to properly visualize abdominal structures. As well, eating causes the gall bladder to empty, making it difficult to asses this organ during the exam.
Yes. We will still have a difficult time visualizing other organs in the abdomen if you have eaten or if you have gas in your stomach.
Please send an email to ultrasound@mmimaging.com. Please note that this address is for general inquires only and we cannot give out test results or answer questions about your report by email or over the phone.
Developing fetuses are sensitive to radiation and therefore physicians usually recommend waiting until after pregnancy to have an x-ray. On rare occasions, the physician might decide that the benefit of having an x-ray while pregnant outweighs any possible risk. Often alternative diagnostic tests that do not use radiation can be used instead. If there is a possibility of pregnancy, it is advisable that you take a home pregnancy test prior to arriving for your appointment.
Please send an email to radiology@mmimaging.com. Please note that this address is for general inquires only and we cannot give out test results or answer questions about your report by email or over the phone.
The compression should be somewhat uncomfortable but not painful. We need to firmly compress the breasts to properly perform the test. Please inform the technologist immediately if the compression becomes too uncomfortable.
No. Due to the ionizing radiation coming from the digital mammography unit, only qualified personnel are permitted to be in the room during the scan.
Yes. We use special techniques for patients who have implants.
A 2-piece outfit is most convenient as you will be required to remove all clothing from the waist up and change into one of our gowns.
It is recommended that you schedule your appointment within the first 14 days of starting your period. Your breasts will be less sensitive during this phase of your cycle.
No. Developing fetuses are sensitive to radiation and therefore physicians usually recommend waiting until after pregnancy to have a screening mammogram. If you are experiencing acute symptoms, we would begin with a breast ultrasound and then customize any further imaging to your individual circumstance. If you think you might be pregnant, it is advisable to take a home pregnancy test prior to arriving for your appointment.
If you are breastfeeding and have acute breast symptoms, it is recommended that you have a breast ultrasound first. All further imaging will be customized to your circumstances by the supervising radiologist. It is advisable to wait 6 months after you have finished breast feeding to have a routine mammogram screening.
We ask that you do not use deodorant, antiperspirant, lotion or powder under your arms or on your breasts the day of your test. If you have tender breasts, some experts recommend that you avoid caffeine for 2 weeks prior to your appointment.
Not necessarily. Patients are sometimes called back for additional imaging at the radiologist’s request because an area on the mammogram was not clearly visualized. We typically call back approximately 10 % of our screening mammogram patients for additional imaging.
Please send an email to radiology@mmimaging.com. Please note that this address is for general inquires only and we cannot give out test results or answer questions about your report by email or over the phone.
No. We do ask that you wear comfortable clothing however, which is free of metal, snaps, zippers, buttons, etc.
No. Due to the ionizing radiation coming from the scanner only qualified personnel are permitted to be in the room during the scan.
No. Developing fetuses are sensitive to radiation and therefore physicians usually recommend waiting until after pregnancy to have a BMD test. If you think you might be pregnant, it is advisable to take a home pregnancy test prior to arriving for your appointment.
Please send an email to radiology@mmimaging.com. Please note that this address is for general inquires only and we cannot give out test results or answer questions about your report by email or over the phone.
DEXA total body scanning is the gold standard for measuring fat tissue mass, lean tissue mass and bone mineral content. The procedure uses minimal radiation. You will lie comfortably on the scan table while the scanner passes over the length of your body in 6-10 minutes. You must remain still but you can breathe normally.
Wear or bring comfortable clothing without metal, buttons, belts, zippers or underwire bras. Do not exercise strenuously prior to the exam. Preferable attire for the scan is yoga wear or non-restrictive active wear. Women cannot be pregnant. You cannot have had a recent injection of a radioisotope, contrast material for a CT or MRI or barium studies.
The max weight is 350lbs and max height is 6’4″.
No. A driver is not necessary. Upon completing the test you should feel the same way you did when you arrived for the test.
Yes. The radiation can be detectable in your body for a number of days after your test. Travel is still possible; however, please inform the technologist of your travel intentions. We will be happy to provide you with the appropriate documentation to verify that you have undergone a nuclear medicine exam.
A bone scan looks at the function of your bones as opposed to an x-ray which looks at the structure of bone and surrounding tissue.
No. There is no preparation necessary. Continue to take all medications as per usual.
The radioactive material is injected into the blood during the first part of the test but it takes a number of hours for the injection to be picked up by the bones.
Part 1 takes approximately 15 minutes. Part 2 will take anywhere from 30 – 60 minutes depending on your medical history and where you are having pain.
The time required between the two parts depends on factors such as the body part being imaged, the presence of underlying disease, and on camera availability. Each patient will be assessed individually by the technologist during Part 1 and given a time to return that is 2 – 5 hours later.
Drinking extra helps flush the radiation which is not picked up by the bones out of your body. It also improves image quality by enhancing contrast between the bones and soft tissues. Please drink at least 750 – 1000 ml (3 – 4 cups) of fluid before returning for Part 2.
If you would rather drink something other than water, that’s fine. It’s the volume of fluid that is consumed that is important, not the type.
A myocardial perfusion test is a method of determining if there are any blockages present in the vessels (arteries) that supply blood to your heart. This is accomplished by looking at the blood supply to your heart muscle during both rest and stress.
During Part 1 we look at the blood flow to your heart muscle as you are resting. A small amount of radiation will be injected into the vein of your arm. We then wait for 30-45 minutes and then take images using a gamma camera. The imaging takes 20 minutes.
No. There is no preparation for Part 1 and you should continue taking all medications as per usual. Please bring a list of your medications with you as you may need to discontinue certain medications for Part 2 (stress day).
You will exercise on a treadmill or you will be given a drug called Persantine. A small amount of radiation will be injected into the vein of your arm while at stress. We will then wait 30-45 minutes and take images using a gamma camera. The imaging takes 20 minutes.
Yes. You will need to fast for at least 4 hours prior to your test and avoid caffeine for at least 12 hours. This includes decaffeinated coffee/tea, as it still contains enough caffeine to interfere with testing. Also, you should not smoke or chew gum for 2 hours prior to your test.
It is important that you fast for 3 hours prior to your scheduled test. Eat a light breakfast and take your insulin 3-4 hours prior to your test. It is also advisable to bring a snack with you.
Possibly. Some medications may need to be discontinued, therefore it is very important that you bring a list of your medications with you when you arrive for Part 1 (rest day). The technologist will inform you if there are any medications that need to be discontinued and for how long.
In order to achieve good images for Part 2 we need to allow enough time to pass for the radioactive material from Part 1 to leave your body. Although it is possible to have both parts done on the same day, the 2 day protocol is the preferred choice as the image quality is best when each part of the test is performed on a separate day
You will walk on a treadmill until your heart rate has reached a pre-determined level. The treadmill starts off very slow and gets a little higher and faster every 3 minutes until your heart rate is elevated to the appropriate level. Generally this takes between 5 and 10 minutes of exercise.
A drug that dilates your blood vessels is injected through an intravenous (IV) line to increase blood flow to your heart muscle. This is the method used for patients who are unable to perform physical exercise.
Sometimes patients will experience headache, flushing, shortness of breath, nausea or chest discomfort following the injection of Persantine. These effects only last about 5 – 10 minutes and then they are reversed using a drug called Aminophylline.
Drug induced stress tests are typically used for patients who are unable to exercise due to physical inability or due to an underlying medical condition. Your doctor will recommend the method best for you and our on-site cardiologist will assess you prior to beginning the stress test.
Yes, but only in exceptionally rare instances. A cardiologist and a technologist will be present during your test and your vital signs will be continuously monitored. Emergency equipment is immediately available to deal with any unusual circumstances and all staff involved in your testing are highly skilled and trained.
Please send an email to nuclearmedicine@mmimaging.com. Please note that this address is for general inquires only and we cannot give out test results or answer questions about your report by email or over the phone.
For any information on breast density and / or categories please visit www.densebreastcanada.ca/
No, all X-rays are performed on walk in only. At times the volume of patients may require us to put patients into a texting queue at which point we get you registered and then we text you when we need you to return for the imaging.
You can book an appointment by phone (613) 727-1072 [Option 1], Email, SMS (343) 307-7449, or using our booking appointment form. Our preferred method of booking is SMS, Email or the Booking Appointment Form because of high volume of phone calls.
At MMI we are committed to ensure that all patient complaints are dealt with thoroughly and promptly.
If you have a complaint concerning the care you received or in regards to the operation of our clinics please feel free to complete the Patient Complaint form found here.
