What is a CT scan?
What is an MRI scan?
What diseases can you detect with CT and MRI imaging?
I’m on a waiting list for diagnostic imaging. What should I do?
What is a Virtual Colonoscopy?
What’s the difference between diagnostic imaging and Health Assessment Scans?
Is a Health Assessment Scan right for me?
How much will my procedure cost?
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
How do I schedule an appointment?
How should I prepare for my procedure?
What happens during the procedure?
Is the procedure loud?
Are there size or weight restrictions?
What is contrast and why might it be required?
What happens after the procedure?
Who will get my results?
How reliable are the procedures?
Are there any risks?
Why choose Mayfair Diagnostics?
What is a CT scan?
Computed tomography (CT) is a sophisticated imaging system that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce detailed images of any part of the body. During a CT scan, an X-ray beam moves in a circle around a patient, allowing many different views of the body part being examined. A computer then processes the X-ray images to generate cross-sectional pictures (or “slices”) of the body part. CT scans are much more detailed than regular X-rays and can detect many conditions that do not show up on other imaging tests.
What is an MRI scan?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an advanced medical imaging technique that provides very clear images of internal organs and body tissues without the use of radiation. The MRI unit uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to produce its images, which appear as highly detailed “slices" of anatomy.
What diseases can you detect with CT and MRI imaging?
Mayfair’s CT Health Assessment Scans have been designed to test primarily for coronary artery disease, lung cancer and colon cancer.
MRI is an excellent tool for diagnosing diseases of the brain, spine, skeleton, abdomen and soft tissues. It is also effective in assessing the severity and informing the most effective treatment of delicate injuries in bones and softer tissues like muscle and cartilage.
I’m stuck on a waiting list for diagnostic imaging. What should I do?
Mayfair can see most patients within just 24-48 hours, and we typically provide a detailed written report to your healthcare provider within 48 hours.
What is a Virtual Colonoscopy?
The Virtual Colonoscopy is a relatively new exam that uses CT scanning to render an interior view of the colon – something that once required an invasive endoscope inserted into the rectum. This minimally invasive test is at least as accurate as the conventional method in detecting clinically significant polyps and masses.
What’s the difference between diagnostic imaging and Health Assessment Scans?
Diagnostic imaging is tailored to locate abnormalities after you have developed a symptom or your healthcare provider has discovered a problem.
Health Assessment Scans are screening tools designed for the early detection of diseases before they become clinically apparent.
Is a Health Assessment Scan right for me?
Most physicians endorse routine screening for most diseases beginning at age 50. For patients with one or more risk factors (a family history of colon cancer or heart disease; a history of diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure; an inactive lifestyle; weight problems; or concerns about abdominal disease, pelvic disease or osteoporosis), screening should begin earlier (usually at age 40).
How much will my procedure cost?
We will advise you of the exact cost of your particular scan(s) prior to scheduling your examination. Please contact us for a current price list. For your convenience, we accept Interac and major credit cards.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
Yes, all Mayfair scans require a referral from your healthcare provider. To download a referral form, please click here.
How do I schedule an appointment?
To schedule an appointment, please call 403.777.4674 or 1-877.4CT 4MRI (482-4674). For the quickest possible service, referrals should be faxed to our Patient Care Coordinator at 403.777.3198.
How should I prepare for my procedure?
Most Mayfair scans require no preparation. For the Virtual Colonoscopy, you must irrigate the colon with laxatives and temporary changes to your diet. Click here to download full instructions.
What happens during the procedure?
Each scan lasts only a few minutes. You may have to hold your breath for some of the scanning, but it’s otherwise perfectly comfortable and completely painless.
Is the procedure loud?
During a CT scan, you will probably hear clicking and whirring noises.
During an MRI scan, you'll hear loud knocking sounds. These sounds are normal and should not worry you. Despite the loud noise, the technologist operating the machine will be able to hear you if you have questions or concerns.
Are there size or weight restrictions?
Patients whose weight exceeds 300 pounds (136 kg) may be unsuited for an MRI or CT scan. [TBC]
What is contrast and why might it be required?
Depending on the type of scan you need, a contrast medium may be administered to enhance the images of your tissues and organs. If required, contrast material will be given intravenously when you arrive for your scan, or you may be instructed to take it orally several hours before your scan. If your test involves a contrast medium, you may need to fast for a few hours before your exam.
What happens after the procedure?
Once the radiologist is certain enough information has been collected, you may leave and go about your normal activities without restriction. For a Health Assessment Scan, the radiologist will sit with you to review your images shortly after your scan.
Who will get my results?
All scans: We will send your healthcare provider a detailed report, usually within 48 hours.
Health Assessment Scans: We will send you a letter with the results of the scan as well as a copy of your images on CD. In addition, we’ll send a formal medical report to your referring physician.
How reliable are the procedures?
As with most screening procedures, MRI and CT scans are not perfect, nor are they proven to find everything they’re looking for. Some abnormalities are too small to find, or they may be hidden near other normal structures. Coronary calcification does not always indicate the exact severity of your coronary artery disease. Mayfair’s exams are most beneficial when taken into context of your medical history.
Are there any risks?
During a CT scan, you are briefly exposed to radiation, making the risk similar to that of conventional X-rays; however, the valuable information a CT scan provides typically outweighs the associated risks. Be sure to inform your doctor if you're pregnant; he or she may recommend another type of exam to reduce exposure of your fetus to radiation.
If you have asthma or allergies and your CT scan requires a contrast medium, there's a slight risk of allergic reaction. Diabetes, asthma, heart disease, kidney problems or thyroid conditions also increase your risk of a reaction to contrast medium.
MRI poses no risk to adults or children as long as standard measures are followed.
Why choose Mayfair Diagnostics?
Mayfair Diagnostics combines state-of-the-art technology and expert interpretation by Fellowship-trained radiologists with the highest quality of patient care. To learn more about our services, click here.