Types of imaging at KHSC

While some people still think of the Diagnostic Imaging Department as the 'X-ray" department, at Kingston Health Sciences Centre, we use many different types of imaging examinations to help your health care team, diagnose and monitor your care. We offer the following types of imaging examinations:

CT scan

Computed tomography, (CT) also known as a CT or CAT scan, is an imaging procedure that uses special x-ray equipment to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body. Unlike a typical x-ray, multiple images, also known as slices, are taken. The images then appear almost like the slices in a loaf of bread.

MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive test that doctors use to diagnose and treat medical conditions.  An MRI machine uses a powerful magnet to create detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bones and other structures inside the body.

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine is a special area of health care that involves the application of radioactive substances to help in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. A radioactive compound, known as a radiopharmaceutical, is used to target a particular organ to help it appear clearly in the image.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound exams are imaging studies that use sound waves to look at soft tissues in your body. Each year about 33,000 ultrasound studies are performed at KHSC. 

General Radiology

An X-ray is a common imaging test that has been used for decades to help doctors view the inside of the body. An X-ray exam uses low doses of radiation to look at muscles and bones. Some areas of soft tissue can also be seen using an X-ray.

Interventional Radiology

Interventional Radiology uses minimally invasive image-guided procedures to diagnose and treat diseases in nearly every organ system. The concept behind interventional radiology is to diagnose and treat patients using the least invasive techniques currently available in order to minimize risk to the patient and improve health outcomes.

Cardiovascular Lab

The cardiovascular lab is located on Kidd 3 in one of KGH's Cardiac Imaging rooms. In this area, routine cardiac catheterization procedures are performed. The CV lab also performs balloon angioplasty or stent procedures to "open up" blocked arteries supplying blood to the heart as well as other image guided heart procedures such as valve replacements.

Bone Mineral Densitometry

Bone Mineral Densitometry or "Bone Density" imaging measures how much calcium and other types of minerals are in your bones. This procedure will help your doctor detect osteoporosis and predict your risk of breaking a bone. Bone Mineral Densitometry is done at the Hotel Dieu Site of KHSC.

Mammography

A mammogram is an x-ray exam to look at breast tissue. Mammograms as well as breast biopsies are done at the Hotel Dieu Site of KHSC.