Full Diagnostic Imaging services continue to be offered at Halton Healthcare through the COVID-19 pandemic, including routine and non-urgent examinations. Some exams may be delayed due to physical distancing requirements.
X-rays are completed on a walk-in basis, no appointment is required. Patients may book their appointment without a requisition for the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP). All other exams must have a requisition faxed to the Diagnostic Imaging department prior to booking.
If you experience any changes in your health or have concerns, please contact your physician. If you are self-isolating and have an appointment, please call us at the following numbers:
Oakville: 905-338-4604
Milton: 905-876-7023 ext.2
Georgetown: 905-873-4596
After your procedure, the results of your test(s) are sent to your referring physician, who will explain and discuss them with you. For more information about radiological procedures, you can also visit www.radiologyinfo.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about changes to patient shielding during X-rays
Over the past 70 years, there have been significant advancements in science and healthcare. Modern X-ray machines now provide clearer images using much less radiation. We’ve also gained a better understanding of how radiation affects the body, and some areas, like the testicles and ovaries, are not as sensitive to radiation as we once thought.
There are a couple of reasons why shielding is no longer recommended:
- A shield placed on a patient may accidentally cover areas of the body that the doctor needs to see. If this happens, the X-ray may need to be repeated, resulting in an additional dose of radiation.
- Most X-ray machines adjust the radiation based on the body part being imaged. If a shield is in the way, the machine may use more radiation than necessary.
Scientists have studied the effects of radiation for many years and there is no evidence to suggest that radiation from medical tests harms sperm or eggs or affects future children, even in individuals who have been exposed to much higher levels of radiation than what is used in medical imaging.
It is safe not to use a shield on the belly during pregnancy, for both the expecting patient and baby. In fact, using a shield doesn’t provide any additional benefit.
Modern X-ray machines take clear images using much less radiation than in the past. If a shield is placed over the belly, it may block the area that the doctor needs to see. This could result in the need for a repeat X-ray increasing the overall dose of radiation.
Since the person with the patient is not the one receiving the X-ray, there’s no need for them to be exposed to radiation. That’s why a lead apron is provided for protection.
Due to improved research and technology, we no longer recommend using lead shields during X-rays. However, if you still wish to use a shield, we can provide one if it doesn’t interfere with the X-ray results.
References: American Association of Physicists in Medicine, “Patient Gonadal and Fetal Shielding in Diagnostic Imaging Frequently Asked Questions”
Patient & Provider Sharing – Canadian Sites
Fast and easy access to your medical imaging and reports with PocketHealth!
Halton Healthcare patients can now access their medical imaging and reports with PocketHealth!
With PocketHealth you can share your imaging/reports from other facilities with Halton Healthcare Diagnostic Imaging (Image Library Department).
Benefits:
- The knowledge you need to better understand your health.
- Get personalized insights & preventative health screening tools.
- View your imaging records online on any device.
- Share your records with anyone in just a few clicks.
To access your records for FREE
- Go to pockethealth.com/HALTON to request your records.
- Once your records are ready to view, you’ll receive an email from PocketHealth with a secure link.
- Instantly download or share your records.
- Receiving physicians can then easily view or import these images in full diagnostic quality with no software or account set-up needed.
Have a question?
Please call PocketHealth directly at 1 855 381 8522 or email help@pocket.health
Diagnostic Imaging Hours
| | Georgetown Hospital
| Milton District Hospital | Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital |
|---|
| Bookings | Mon – Fri: 8:00am to 5:00pm | Mon - Fri: 8:30am to 4:30pm | Mon - Fri: 8:00am to 4:00pm |
| Outpatients | Mon – Fri: 7:00am to 5:00pm | Mon - Fri: 7:00am to 5:00pm | Mon - Fri: 7:00am to 5:00pm |
| Image Library | Mon – Fri: 8:00am to 5:00pm | Mon - Fri: 8:00am to 4:00pm | Mon - Fri: 8:30am to 4:30pm |
CT, MRI, Ultrasound, Special Procedures, Mammography, Bone Density, and Gastric examinations require an appointment.
For some special examinations such as CT and MRI we provide evening appointments.
X-ray services are available at all three Halton Healthcare hospitals from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
Please note: General X-ray services are available after hours to support emergency and urgent care needs. Please be advised that walk-in patients may experience delays, as priority is given to emergency cases. We will do our best to see you in a timely manner and appreciate your understanding and patience.