Ultrasound

Ultrasound2026-07-28T21:12:03+00:00

Ultrasound King City, Ontario – Diagnostic Ultrasound Imaging

What is Ultrasound

General ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging examination that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce real-time images of organs, soft tissues, blood vessels, and other structures within the body. Unlike X-rays, ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation.

Ultrasound examinations are commonly used to investigate symptoms, monitor medical conditions, guide treatment decisions, and evaluate the structure and function of internal organs. Examinations are performed by a qualified sonographer and interpreted by a radiologist. A report is sent to your referring healthcare provider.

Why Your Healthcare Provider May Request an Ultrasound

Your healthcare provider may recommend an ultrasound to:

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Ultrasound King City – diagnostic ultrasound imaging at King City Diagnostic Imaging
  • Investigate pain, swelling, or a palpable lump

  • Evaluate abdominal or pelvic symptoms

  • Assess organs such as the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, bladder, and thyroid

  • Evaluate soft tissue masses or fluid collections

  • Monitoring fetal development during pregnancy

  • Assess reproductive organs

  • Monitor certain medical conditions

  • Assist in diagnosing a wide range of non-emergency conditions

  • Evaluating tendon tears or inflammation

  • Assessing joint pain and swelling

Types of General Ultrasound Examinations

The examination requested depends on your symptoms, medical history, and clinical assessment.

Musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound is used to assess muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissue structures.

Common MSK exams include:

  • Shoulder ultrasound
  • Knee ultrasound
  • Elbow and wrist imaging
  • Ankle and foot ultrasound
  • Tendon and ligament evaluation

MSK ultrasound is commonly used to diagnose:

  • Sports injuries
  • Tendon tears or inflammation
  • Joint pain or swelling
  • Muscle injuries
  • Soft tissue abnormalities

This is a dynamic imaging technique, allowing real-time movement evaluation of joints and tissues.

Our OB-GYN ultrasound services provide detailed imaging for women’s reproductive health and pregnancy monitoring.

Services include:

  • Early pregnancy dating scans
  • First, second, and third trimester ultrasounds
  • Fetal growth and anatomy scans
  • Placenta and amniotic fluid assessment
  • Pelvic ultrasound for gynecological conditions

OB-GYN ultrasound helps monitor:

  • Fetal development and wellbeing
  • Pregnancy complications
  • Uterine and ovarian conditions
  • Menstrual or pelvic concerns

We prioritize comfort, privacy, and care for all women’s imaging exams.

Evaluates organs within the abdomen, including the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, and abdominal blood vessels.

Common reasons include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Gallstones
  • Liver disease
  • Kidney stones
  • Kidney abnormalities

Evaluates the bladder and pelvic organs.

A pelvic ultrasound may be performed:

  • Transabdominal, using the ultrasound probe over the lower abdomen.
  • Transvaginal, when clinically appropriate and with patient consent, to obtain more detailed images of the female pelvic organs.

Assesses the thyroid gland for:

  • Thyroid nodules
  • Enlargement
  • Cysts
  • Structural abnormalities

Evaluates:

  • Lumps or masses
  • Cysts
  • Lipomas
  • Fluid collections
  • Soft tissue abnormalities

Examines the testicles and surrounding tissues to investigate:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Lumps
  • Trauma
  • Other abnormalities

Evaluates:

  • Salivary glands
  • Enlarged lymph nodes
  • Neck masses
  • Other soft tissue structures
Ultrasound

What to Expect During Your Ultrasound

  • Your requisition and medical information will be reviewed before the examination.

  • A trained sonographer will explain the procedure and position you appropriately.

  • A water-based gel is applied to the skin over the area being examined. The ultrasound transducer is moved gently across the skin to obtain images.

  • Depending on the examination, you may be asked to:

    • Change position
    • Hold your breath briefly
    • Arrive with a full bladder
    • Fast before the examination
  • Some examinations, such as transvaginal ultrasound, involve the use of a specialized ultrasound probe. The procedure will be explained beforehand, and your consent will be obtained.

  • Most examinations are completed within 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the type of study.

Preparation varies depending on the examination being performed. It is important to follow the instructions provided when your appointment is booked.

Preparing for Your Ultrasound

  • Bring your valid requisition form your referring doctor
  • Bring your Ontario Health Card or identification
  • Arrive a few minutes before your appointment
  • Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being examined
  • OB-GYN Ultrasound Preparation (Early Pregnancy / Dating Scans):
    • A full bladder may be required to improve image clarity
    • You may be asked to drink 4–6 glasses of water about 1 hour before your appointment
    • Do not empty your bladder before the exam unless instructed otherwise
    • A full bladder helps improve visualization of the uterus in early pregnancy
  • OB-GYN Ultrasound Preparation (Later Pregnancy Scans):
    • No special preparation is required
    • You may eat and drink normally before your appointment
    • Wear comfortable clothing for easy access to the abdomen
    • A two-piece outfit is recommended for convenience and privacy
  • General Instructions for OB-GYN Exams:
    • Arrive 10–15 minutes early for check-in
    • Bring your referral form and health card
    • Follow any specific instructions provided at the time of booking
    • Preparation requirements may vary depending on the exam type
  • No special preparation is required
  • You may eat and drink normally before your appointment
  • Wear loose or comfortable clothing
  • Wear clothing that allows easy access to the area being examined (shoulder, knee, wrist, etc.)
  • You may be asked to change into a gown depending on the exam area
  • Avoid applying lotions, creams, or oils on the area being scanned
  • Remove jewelry or accessories near the exam site if possible
  • Inform the technologist if you have pain or limited movement
  • Arrive a few minutes early for check-in
  • Follow any additional instructions provided by clinic staff
  • Do not eat or drink for 8 hours before your appointment unless instructed otherwise.
  • Necessary medications may be taken with small sips of water unless advised differently by your healthcare provider.

Fasting helps reduce bowel gas and allows better visualization of abdominal organs.

  • Drink approximately 1 litre (4 cups) of water an hour before your appointment to have a full bladder at the time of your appointment.
  • Do not empty your bladder until the examination has been completed unless instructed by the technologist.

A full bladder improves visualization of the pelvic organs.

  • A full bladder is generally not required.
  • You may be asked to empty your bladder before the examination.
  • The procedure will be explained, and your consent will be obtained before it begins.

No special preparation is usually required.

Schedule Your Ultrasound Appointment

If your healthcare provider has requested an ultrasound examination, King City Imaging can assist you with scheduling your appointment.

Our staff can answer questions regarding appointment scheduling, preparation instructions, referral requirements, and the examination process.

Ultrasound

contact information.

Office Address

Unit 1, Building H, 1700 King road, King City ON L7B 0N1

Phone

905-539-0555

Fax

905-539-0559

Email Address

info@kingcityimaging.ca

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Have Questions About Ultrasound Test?

If you have questions about your preparation instructions, please contact the clinic before your appointment.

Ultrasound uses sound waves rather than ionizing radiation and is considered a safe imaging modality when performed for appropriate medical indications.

Ultrasound has been used in clinical practice for many years and does not expose patients to radiation.

If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform the sonographer before your examination. This information helps ensure the appropriate examination is performed.

General ultrasound examinations require a requisition from an authorized healthcare provider.

Medically necessary ultrasound examinations are generally covered under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) for eligible patients when performed with a valid referral.

If you have questions regarding referral requirements or coverage, please contact the clinic before your appointment.

Your ultrasound examination will be interpreted by a radiologist.

A written report is sent to your referring healthcare provider, who will review the findings with you and discuss any recommended follow-up.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of a full bladder in early-stage pregnancy ultrasound?2026-06-30T16:35:55+00:00

A full bladder acts as an “acoustic window,” allowing sound waves to travel more effectively and producing clearer images of the uterus and gestational sac

Is there any preparation for later pregnancy scans?2026-06-30T16:34:52+00:00

No special preparation is needed for later-stage pregnancy ultrasounds

Can OB-GYN ultrasound detect abnormalities?2026-06-30T16:34:41+00:00

It can help assess fetal development, anatomy, and pregnancy health, but final interpretation is made by a radiologist

Can I bring someone with me?2026-06-30T16:34:21+00:00

Yes, in most cases a support person is allowed, but it may depend on room space and clinical guidelines

Do I always need a full bladder?2026-06-30T16:34:09+00:00

No, a full bladder is usually only required for early pregnancy or dating scans

How long does an OB-GYN ultrasound take?2026-06-30T16:33:56+00:00

Most exams take approximately 20–45 minutes depending on the type of scan and stage of pregnancy

Is OB-GYN ultrasound safe during pregnancy?2026-06-30T16:33:18+00:00

Yes, it is a safe, non-invasive imaging test that does not use radiation and is routinely used throughout pregnancy

When will my doctor receive the results?2026-06-29T21:17:18+00:00

A radiologist interprets the examination and sends a report to your referring healthcare provider.

Do I need a referral?2026-06-29T21:17:09+00:00

Yes. A requisition from an authorized healthcare provider is required.

Is a transvaginal ultrasound mandatory?2026-06-29T21:16:58+00:00

No. If a transvaginal ultrasound is recommended, the procedure will be explained beforehand, and your consent will always be obtained.

Why do I need to fast before an abdominal ultrasound?2026-06-29T21:16:35+00:00

Fasting reduces bowel gas and allows clearer visualization of abdominal organs, particularly the gallbladder.

Is the examination painful?2026-06-29T21:16:27+00:00

Ultrasound is generally painless. You may experience mild pressure from the transducer during the examination.

Does an ultrasound use radiation?2026-06-29T21:16:18+00:00

No. Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves and does not use ionizing radiation.

How long does an ultrasound take?2026-06-29T21:15:28+00:00

Most examinations take between 20 and 45 minutes, depending on the type of ultrasound.

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves rather than radiation to create real-time images of organs, soft tissue, and blood flow, and is used for a wide range of general, abdominal, and other diagnostic exams. Ultrasound in King City at our clinic is performed by appointment with a requisition from your referring physician. To learn about our other exams, visit our services page, or book your appointment once you have a requisition. Book your Ultrasound King City appointment today.

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