What ultrasound is used for
Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, to image organs, soft tissue and blood flow in real time. Providers order it for abdominal organs such as the liver, gallbladder and kidneys, the pelvis, the thyroid and neck, the breast, soft-tissue lumps, and blood vessels. Obstetric scans and specialised exams are directed to the appropriate imaging service by your provider.
You need a requisition
Ultrasound requires a referral that states the body area and the clinical question. Bio-Test cannot perform a scan without it, and the sonographer follows the requisition exactly. If your provider faxes the requisition, tell us when you call.
How to book
- Call 1-800-409-1942 (toll-free) or 613-789-4242 during business hours.
- Have your Ontario health card number and the requisition in front of you.
- Ask which exam is being booked and what preparation applies; instructions differ by body area.
- Arrive 10 minutes early to register; allow 20 to 45 minutes for most exams.
Preparation by exam type
Preparation is confirmed at booking, but the usual rules are: abdominal scans need fasting for 6 to 8 hours so the gallbladder is full and bowel gas is reduced; pelvic and bladder scans need a full bladder, so drink water an hour before and do not empty it; thyroid, breast, soft-tissue and vascular scans need no preparation. Wear loose clothing that gives access to the area; you may be asked to change into a gown.
Is ultrasound covered by OHIP?
Yes. Diagnostic ultrasound ordered by an authorized provider is insured with a valid Ontario health card. Scans requested without a medical indication, such as keepsake obstetric imaging, are not offered.
What to bring to your ultrasound appointment
- Your valid Ontario health card; without it the exam is uninsured until the card is renewed.
- The ultrasound requisition from your provider, unless it was faxed to us (tell us at booking).
- Any previous imaging reports for the same area, if you have them, so the radiologist can compare.
- A list of your medications if the exam is abdominal or pelvic, in case preparation needs adjusting.
- A lab requisition if you also need blood work; Bells Corners collects walk-in blood tests during the same visit.
What happens during the exam
You register at the Bells Corners desk about 10 minutes before your appointment. The sonographer confirms your identity and the requisition, explains the exam, and asks you to uncover the area being scanned; for some exams you change into a gown. Warm gel is applied to the skin and a hand-held transducer is moved over the area while images are recorded; you may be asked to hold your breath, change position or, for a pelvic scan, keep a full bladder until the end. The exam uses sound waves rather than radiation, is painless apart from mild pressure, and most take 20 to 45 minutes. The sonographer records the images for the radiologist and cannot discuss findings during the exam.
Getting your results
The images are interpreted by a radiologist and the report is sent to your ordering provider, who reviews it with you. Allow several business days. The sonographer cannot discuss findings during the exam.
Same-visit bloodwork and imaging
Bells Corners is Bio-Test's main laboratory and offers walk-in blood collection Monday to Friday 7:30 am to 8:00 pm and Saturday 8:30 am to 2:00 pm, plus walk-in X-ray and ECG. If you have a lab requisition too, bring it to your ultrasound appointment and have everything done in one trip. See the Bells Corners location page for directions and free parking.