Please select your exam from the below options to find out more about the procedure and the preparation required for your exam.
During an abdomen exam, Pureform uses ultrasound waves to produce images of the internal organs of the abdomen. This exam may help to determine abnormalities in the different areas including the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, kidneys or other areas of concern.
Pureform Procedure
You will be brought back to an ultrasound exam room. A gown will be provided.
After positioning on a bed (positioning is exam specific) the sonographer will begin the exam by preparing the area for scanning. This preparation involves ensuring the area to be scanned is clean and free of obstructions (such as clothing or jewelry).
A transmission medium such as gel or cream will be applied to the area to ensure sufficient transmission of ultrasound waves. This ensure excellent image quality. During the exam the ultrasound transducer will be moved around the areas of concern, ensuring each area is imaged completely. The sonographer may reposition a patient or require them to breath in or out at specific times to ensure all needed images are taken.
From time to time the sonographer may need to apply some pressure on the probe to completely image a structure. This may cause some minor discomfort but should never be painful. Please communicate with your sonographer during your exam to ensure the best possible experience.
Preparation
Please arrive 15 minutes early and to bring your Alberta Health Care card.
This exam requires that you do not eat or drink 6 hours prior to your appointment however please take any prescribed medications.
When Will I get my Results?
Your doctor who ordered the exam will receive the results within 1-2 days or same day if required urgently.
This exam might be ordered to diagnose an Abdominal Wall Hernia. Pain, swelling or a lump you can feel and/or sometimes after abdominal surgery may be reasons for this ultrasound.
Pureform Procedure
After positioning on a bed (positioning is exam specific) the sonographer will begin the exam by preparing the area for scanning. This preparation involves ensuring the area to be scanned is clean and free of obstruction (such as clothing and jewelry).
A transmission medium such as gel or cream will be applied to the area to ensure sufficient transmission of ultrasound waves. This ensures excellent image quality.
During the exam the ultrasound transducer will be moved around the areas of concern, ensuring each area is imaged completely. The sonographer may reposition a patient to ensure all needed images are taken.
From time to time the sonographer may need to apply some pressure on the probe to completely image a structure. This may cause some minor discomfort but should never be painful. Please communicate with your sonographer during your exam to ensure the best possible experience.
Preparation
No specific preparation required other than to arrive 15 minutes early and to bring your Alberta Health Care card.
When Will I get my Results?
Your doctor who ordered the exam will receive the results within 1-2 days or same day if required urgently.
A Bone Density exam can assess whether or not you have Osteoporosis and monitor bone loss over a period of time. The new guidelines as set out from the Alberta Medical Association are starting at age 50 and may be ordered every two years.
Pureform Procedure
After checking in at the front desk you will be brought back for your exam. Your technologist will take your height and weight and get you to lie down on the bed. A foam block will be placed under your knees. Your technologist will ask you some imperative questions, such as previous fractures and your current medications (it is helpful to have a list of medications with you). The Bone Density machine will scan the lower back and hip.
Preparation
No specific preparation required other than to arrive 15 minutes early. Where possible wear clothes with no metal, snaps, or zippers, if not a robe will be provided.
When Will I get my Results?
Your doctor who ordered the exam will receive the results within a week or same day if required urgently.
This ultrasound is most often performed to evaluate the: Uterus, Cervix, Ovaries, Fallopian Tubes, Bladder, at Pureform we assess the Kidneys as well. Ultrasound examinations can help diagnose symptoms experienced such as: Pelvic pain, Abnormal vaginal bleeding, IUD placement, Menstrual problems, Ovarian Cysts and Uterine Fibroids.
Pureform Procedure
Your sonographer will apply gel to the exam site then slide and rotate a handheld transducer/probe over your lower abdomen and pelvis to obtain images.
A full bladder is required at the start of this exam as it improves the visibility of the pelvic organs and allows the bladder to be imaged. Once the required images are obtained you may use the washroom.
It is crucial to follow the preparation instructions for this exam as the bladder cannot be seen if it is not full at the start of your exam.
If needed, an endovaginal or internal ultrasound will be completed with your consent. After you have used the washroom to empty your bladder and positioned back onto the table. A small probe that you, as a patient inserts into the vagina. This highly specialized camera will take pictures of areas of concern. Your sonographer will explain in detail and answer any further questions you might have.
The exam itself is not painful however mild to moderate pressure may be applied to acquire images. You may feel increased pressure or the sensation of urgency while the probe is moved over your bladder.
Preparation
Please arrive 15 minutes early and to bring your Alberta Health Care card.
This requires a full bladder in order to complete the exam. 1.5 hours prior to your appointment please drink 1 litre of water. Finish drinking all the water 1 hour prior to your appointment. Please do not empty your bladder. You may eat your regular meals or snack prior to your appointment.
When Will I get my Results?
Your doctor who ordered the exam will receive the results in 1-2 business days or same day if required urgently.
Liver Elastography does not replace Liver Dopplers but is another screening tool in the management of liver conditions. Elastography uses shear wave technology to detect liver fibrosis or stiffness of the liver.The stage of liver fibrosis is important to determine prognosis and surveillance.
Pureform Procedure
After positioning on a bed (positioning is exam specific) the sonographer will begin the exam by preparing the area for scanning. This preparation involves ensuring the area to be scanned is clean and free of obstruction.
A transmission medium such as gel or cream will be applied to the area to ensure sufficient transmission of ultrasound waves. This ensures excellent image quality.
During the exam the ultrasound transducer will be moved around the areas of concern, ensuring each area is imaged completely. The sonographer may reposition a patient to ensure all needed images are taken. Your sonographer might need you to do certain breathing techniques as well.
From time to time the sonographer may need to apply some pressure on the probe to completely image a structure. This may cause some minor discomfort but should never be painful. Please communicate with your sonographer during your exam to ensure the best possible experience.
For this particular exam the ultrasound machine will produce a sound similar to a heartbeat or a wave. This is assess the flow through the vascular structures and is standard.
Preparation
Nothing to eat or drink for 6 hours prior to your exam. Please let your booking representative know if you are diabetic. Please arrive 15 minutes early and bring your Alberta Health Care card.
When Will I get my Results?
Your doctor who ordered the exam will receive the results within a week or same day if required urgently.
Typically, your doctor would order this to examine your bladder and prostate gland.
Pureform Procedure
After position on a bed (positioning is exam specific) the sonographer will begin the exam by preparing the area for scanning. This preparation involves ensuring the area to be scanned is clean and free of obstruction.
A transmission medium such as gel or cream will be applied to the area to ensure sufficient transmission of ultrasound waves. This ensures excellent image quality.
During the exam the ultrasound transducer will be moved around the areas of concern, ensuring each area is imaged completely. The sonographer may reposition a patient to ensure all needed images are taken.
From time to time the sonographer may need to apply some pressure on the probe to completely image a structure. This may cause some minor discomfort but should never be painful. Please communicate with your sonographer during your exam to ensure the best possible experience.
Preparation
Please have a full bladder on arrival. Drink 1 litre of water 1.5 hours prior to appointment. Please arrive 15 minutes early and bring your Alberta Health Care card.
When Will I get my Results?
Your doctor who ordered the exam will receive the results in 1-2 business days or same day if required urgently.
Musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound examines the tendons, ligaments and soft tissue which may identify fluid around joints.
Pureform Procedure
After position on a bed (positioning is exam specific) the sonographer will begin the exam by preparing the area for scanning. This preparation involves ensuring the area to be scanned is clean and free of obstruction
A transmission medium such as gel or cream will be applied to the area to ensure sufficient transmission of ultrasound waves. This ensures excellent image quality.
During the exam the ultrasound transducer will be moved around the areas of concern, ensuring each area is imaged completely. The sonographer may reposition a patient to ensure all needed images are taken.
From time to time the sonographer may need to apply some pressure on the probe to completely image a structure. This may cause some minor discomfort but should never be painful. Please communicate with your sonographer during your exam to ensure the best possible experience.
Preparation
No specific preparation required other than to arrive 15 minutes early and to bring your Alberta Health Care card.
When Will I get my Results?
Your doctor who ordered the exam will receive the results in 1-2 business days or same day if required urgently.
Otherwise known as Kidneys, Ureter and Bladder Ultrasound (KUB) This exam may be ordered from your doctor when they are looking for kidney stones, incontinence, bladder infections or any other abnormalities.
Pureform Procedure
You will be brought back to an ultrasound exam room. A gown will be provided.
After positioning on a bed (positioning is exam specific) the sonographer will begin the exam by preparing the area for scanning. This preparation involves ensuring the area to be scanned is clean and free of obstructions (such as clothing or jewelry).
A transmission medium such as gel or cream will be applied to the area to ensure sufficient transmission of ultrasound waves. This ensure excellent image quality. During the exam the ultrasound transducer will be moved around the areas of concern, ensuring each area is imaged completely.
From time to time the sonographer may need to apply some pressure on the probe to completely image a structure. This may cause some minor discomfort but should never be painful. Please communicate with your sonographer during your exam to ensure the best possible experience.
Preparation
Please arrive 15 minutes early and to bring your Alberta Health Care card.
This requires a full bladder in order to complete the exam. 1.5 hours prior to your appointment please drink 1 litre of water. Finish drinking all the water 1 hour prior to your appointment. Please do not empty your bladder. You may eat your regular meals or snack prior to your appointment.
When Will I get my Results?
Your doctor who ordered the exam will receive the results in 1-2 business days or same day if required urgently.
Common reasons a scrotal ultrasound would be ordered: Lump, trauma, pain, infertility issues, undescended testes. This exam is ordered urgently if testicular torsion is suspected.
Pureform Procedure
After positioning on a bed (positioning is exam specific) the sonographer will begin the exam by preparing the area for scanning. This preparation involves ensuring the area to be scanned is clean and free of obstruction.
A transmission medium such as gel or cream will be applied to the area to ensure sufficient transmission of ultrasound waves. This ensures excellent image quality.
During the exam the ultrasound transducer will be moved around the areas of concern, ensuring each area is imaged completely. The sonographer may reposition a patient to ensure all needed images are taken. Your sonographer might need you to do certain breathing techniques as well.
From time to time the sonographer may need to apply some pressure on the probe to completely image a structure. This may cause some minor discomfort but should never be painful. Please communicate with your sonographer during your exam to ensure the best possible experience.
For this particular exam the ultrasound machine will produce a sound similar to a heartbeat or a wave. This is assess the flow through the vascular structures and is standard.
Preparation
No specific preparation required other than to arrive 15 minutes early and to bring your Alberta Health Care card.
When Will I get my Results?
Your doctor who ordered the exam will receive the results within a week or same day if required urgently.
A thyroid ultrasound examines the thyroid gland and lumps within the neck. It may be ordered following blood work or any noticeable lumps or swelling. Sometimes a Radiologist may recommend a fine needle aspiration (as per assessment criteria ) on a lump to obtain a small tissue sample to send away to the laboratory for testing.
Pureform Procedure
After positioning on a bed (positioning is exam specific) the sonographer will begin the exam by preparing the area for scanning. This preparation involves ensuring the area to be scanned is clean and free of obstruction (such as clothing and jewelry).
A transmission medium such as gel or cream will be applied to the area to ensure sufficient transmission of ultrasound waves. This ensures excellent image quality.
During the exam the ultrasound transducer will be moved around the areas of concern, ensuring each area is imaged completely. The sonographer may reposition a patient to ensure all needed images are taken.
From time to time the sonographer may need to apply some pressure on the probe to completely image a structure. This may cause some minor discomfort but should never be painful. Please communicate with your sonographer during your exam to ensure the best possible experience.
Preparation
No specific preparation required other than to arrive 15 minutes early and to bring your Alberta Health Care card.
When Will I get my Results?
Your doctor who ordered the exam will receive the results in 1-2 business days or same day if required urgently.
X-Rays are the most commonly used diagnostic medical imaging tool available. X-Rays are performed for a variety of reasons to evaluate bones, lungs, or soft tissues within the body.
An X-Ray creates a grey-scale image of the body where structures of different densities show up with various levels of brightness. Dense parts of the body (such as bone) appear bright white on an X-Ray. Muscle and organs (commonly referred to as soft tissues) show up as various shades of grey, depending on their density. Hollow or air-filled parts of the body (including the lungs) show up black.
Pureform Procedure
After you check in at the front desk, you will be brought back to a change room where your technologist will greet you.
You may be asked to change out of your clothing and remove jewelry as metal shows up on X-rays. Your Technologist will position you in different ways to demonstrate area of concern and take the necessary number of X-rays, always keeping in mind the safest amount of radiation.
Depending on the number of exams in front of you, it can take 5-15 min on average.
Preparation
There is no preparation required in advance for your X-Ray. However, you may be asked to remove any clothing which has metal (such as zippers or buttons) or any other metal items (such as jewelery) as these objects interfere with the images obtained.
In order to ensure that you can get your x-ray done before the end of the day please arrive at least 30 minutes before closing.
When Will I get my Results?
Your doctor who ordered the exam will receive the results within a week or same day if required urgently.