Our skilled team of medical and surgical doctors provides you with world class care at the Kensington Screening Clinic.
Medical imaging is a very useful tool to diagnose serious illnesses. Recently, Kensington Health opened the Kensington Diagnostic Imaging Centre. The Centre offers patients in the community rapid access to ultrasound, X-ray and bone mineral density tests, breast imaging and biopsy services.
There are many misconceptions about diagnostic imaging, and it's important to understand the benefits and risks of medical tests. We asked Jill Taylor, Manager at the Kensington Diagnostic Imaging Centre, to clarify common misconceptions about imaging.
MYTH: Scans with radiation are dangerous for your health.
Radiation is a diagnostic tool that is less invasive than surgery. At the Kensington Diagnostic Imaging Clinic, our radiation specialists follow best-practice guidelines to ensure safety for patients. We work with doctors to avoid unnecessary scans, and we strive for results that minimize risk for our patients.
Radiation can be harmful in large doses, without proper supervision. Our highly trained team ensures the proper use of our imaging and screening equipment. During a test, radiation is targeted to the specific body part being screened.
In the vast majority of cases, the benefits of accurately diagnosing and quickly beginning treatment outweigh the risks of radiation exposure. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about the risk of radiation.
MYTH: Traditional X-ray scans are outdated.
An X-ray is still an effective and efficient way to scan for many injuries and illnesses. It's a simple test that produces images of the structures of your body. As X-ray beams pass through your body, they are absorbed in different amounts. Dense materials, such as your bones, show up white; fat and muscle appear as shades of gray; and the air in your lungs show up as black.
MYTH: Pregnant women can't get X-ray scans.
During the first trimester of pregnancy the fetus' organs are still developing and exposure to radiation can be dangerous. But if an X-ray scan is performed with the necessary precautions, all dangers can be avoided.
MYTH: Ultrasounds are only used for pregnancy.
Ultrasounds are a common type of scan used for all patients. They are used to see organs inside the abdominal area, like the liver and kidneys. They are also used to examine the heart and blood vessels, the muscles, and joints, and the pelvic organs. Ultrasounds can help diagnose and treat many illnesses.