Frequently asked questions

The Estrie Radiology Centre includes two clinics: 

• Estrie Clinic (same building as the Health Complex): 15 J.A. Bombardier, suite A-240 (MRI at 31 J.A. Bombardier, suite B-100)
• Sherbrooke Clinic (same building as the Sommet Health Centre): 1280 Rue King Est, suite 200

Our two clinics are located in easily accessible areas to meet your medical imaging needs.

Parking is free at both of our centres. So, you won’t have to pay extra to take advantage of our services.

For a general radiography test, come directly to one of our two centres, at a time convenient to you during our opening hours (no appointment necessary).

For all other tests (2D/3D mammography-tomosynthesis, osteodensitometry, ultrasound, infiltrations and MRI) an appointment is necessary.

To make an appointment, contact our team by telephone or click the “Make an appointment” link.

Wait times vary depending on the type of procedure and degree of urgency. For more information, please contact us.

Yes, you need to have a medical prescription in order to make an appointment for an X-ray test.

Yes, all procedures offered at both clinics are covered by the Régie d’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ—health insurance card), with the exception of MRI and PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections. These are often covered by other entities. Please check your insurance coverage, as many procedures are reimbursed by private and group insurers, as well as by the SAAQ and CNESST (if required by one of these two organizations).

To obtain a CD (or another digital device) or your test report, you can contact our appointment centre or come in directly to one of our radiology centres.

Urgent tests: Results of urgent tests requested by your doctor will be available within 24 business hours.

Non-urgent tests: For all other tests, results will be sent to your doctor within 3 to 7 business days.

Radiology brings together different medical imaging techniques to explore the human body. The main examinations include X-rays for bones and lungs, CT (computed tomography) for detailed sections, magnetic resonance for soft tissues, ultrasound for organ imaging, mammography for early detection of breast cancer, as well as osteodensitometry to measure the density of bones.

X-rays are dangerous in high doses because they are ionizing radiation that can damage DNA. However, the doses received during medical examinations (X-rays, scanners) are extremely low, and the benefits for medical diagnosis far outweigh the risks.

Several precautions are taken to limit the risks of exposure to X-rays and several tests should be avoided during pregnancy.

The MRI scanner looks like a long tube open at both ends, with a sliding table that moves inside the tunnel during the examination. Depending on the part of the body being examined (for example, a knee or an ankle), your head may not be inside the machine. The scan is painless and requires you to remain completely still.

The device does not emit radiation, but it produces loud tapping and clanking noises. The medical team will provide you with headphones to attenuate the sound. A two-way communication system and an emergency handle are always available so you can signal any discomfort during the exam.

The CT scan and MRI are radiology examinations that use distinct technologies and allow diagnosing different medical conditions. The scan (computed tomography) is a quick test that uses X-rays, ideal for seeing bones, dense structures or trauma. MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves, making it more suitable for examining soft tissues (such as the brain, muscles, and ligaments) without exposing the patient to radiation.

Since magnetic resonance imaging does not use X-rays, there is no medical limit to the number of MRI scans you can have per year. The frequency is determined by your doctor, based on what he or she deems necessary to diagnose or monitor a condition.

You do not need to fast for most MRI exams. However, it is necessary to be fasting for at least 4 hours before an abdominal MRI.

For safety reasons and to ensure image quality, you will be asked to remove your clothes and wear a gown for the MRI. You must remove all metal objects (watches, jewelry, glasses, etc.), as these can interfere with the machine.

An MRI can take from 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the area being examined. The examination may take longer, especially if a contrast agent needs to be injected.

An MRI can detect conditions affecting soft tissues, organs, and the nervous system. It is particularly effective at identifying neurological disorders, cancers, joint abnormalities, and pelvic diseases.

An MRI does not use radiation, so it is safe for the body. The exam itself does not cause any side effects, but some discomfort may occur depending on how the procedure is conducted:

Related to the machine: Being confined in the narrow tunnel may cause a feeling of claustrophobia in some patients.

Without contrast agent: The exam is painless. You may feel slightly tired after the exam, as well as a local sensation of warmth or discomfort due to the noise of the machine.

With contrast agent (gadolinium): Temporary effects may occur in the hours following the injection, such as a metallic taste in the mouth, nausea, mild headaches, or dizziness. Allergic reactions are rare and generally minor.

To find out the cost of our various MRI exams, please refer to our fee schedule. Many exams are covered by private insurance plans or group insurance.

The use of a contrast agent (most often gadolinium-based) during an MRI allows for better visualization of the organs and a more accurate diagnosis. Injected intravenously, it enhances the contrast between healthy tissue and abnormalities, which absorb the contrast agent differently. Its use highlights lesions or areas of inflammation and helps determine the extent of a condition. The injection of a contrast agent is not routine and depends on the doctor’s recommendation.

The Quebec Breast Cancer Screening Program recommends having a screening mammogram every two years starting at age 50.

For women at average risk, the first mammogram is generally recommended between the ages of 40 and 50. In cases of high risk (family history or genetic predisposition), a mammogram is often recommended earlier, and the follow-up schedule is determined by a doctor.

It is recommended that you consult with a healthcare professional to assess your individual risk.

A screening mammogram is generally recommended every 2 years for asymptomatic women between the ages of 50 and 74. The frequency may vary depending on individual circumstances. If there is a family history of breast cancer, a mammogram is often recommended annually starting at age 40. If symptoms are present, a diagnostic mammogram is ordered, and the frequency of follow-up is determined by the doctor.

A mammogram is not a dangerous procedure, and the benefits of early detection far outweigh the risks involved. However, like any medical procedure, it has limitations and drawbacks.

X-ray exposure: Mammograms use X-rays, which involve a very low dose of radiation. Medical authorities consider the risk of developing cancer as a result of this exposure to be virtually nonexistent or negligible.

Discomfort: The compression of the breast, which is necessary to obtain clear images and reduce the radiation dose, can be painful or uncomfortable, although it lasts only a few seconds.

If you have any concerns or experience unusual symptoms, it is always advisable to discuss them with your doctor.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, mammograms are generally not recommended to avoid unnecessary exposure to X-rays, unless absolutely necessary.

A mammogram is a quick examination that takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

An ultrasound is often performed after a mammogram to better characterize an abnormality that has been detected or to examine areas that are difficult to analyze when the breasts are very dense. If a suspicious image is found, the ultrasound helps to more accurately assess the nature of the lesion and guides the radiologist in analyzing its shape and contours.

A 3D mammogram (tomosynthesis) outperforms a conventional 2D mammogram by capturing multiple images from different angles. Its main advantages include improved detection of breast cancer and a reduction in follow-up exams. The 3D method allows for visualization through dense tissue that can obscure small tumors and can also detect masses or microcalcifications earlier, improving the detection of invasive cancers.

The exam is performed in the same way as a standard 2D mammography and uses similar doses of X-rays.

Yes, mammograms are covered by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). There are no fees if the following conditions are met:

Diagnostic or on-demand mammogram: Covered annually with a doctor’s prescription.

Screening mammogram (for women aged 50 to 74): Covered every 2 years under the Quebec Breast Cancer Screening Program (PQDCS).

An ultrasound can take between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the area being examined and the complexity of the exam.

During a pelvic or abdominal ultrasound, a full bladder helps push the intestines aside and provides a clear view of the pelvic organs and the abdominal wall. In addition, the fluid in the bladder transmits ultrasound waves very well, which improves image clarity.

However, if the exam requires an endovaginal ultrasound, you will be asked to completely empty your bladder beforehand.

Ultrasound allows for the visualization of internal organs and soft tissues and the detection of abnormalities such as cysts, masses, stones, or inflammation, without the use of X-rays. Among other things, it can be used to examine the abdominal and pelvic organs, monitor fetal development during pregnancy, distinguish between tumors and cysts, assess blood flow (Doppler ultrasound), examine the thyroid and lymph nodes, and detect muscle tears and joint inflammation.

On an ultrasound, bone structures and air-filled organs, such as the lungs or intestines, are not visible because ultrasound waves cannot pass through them. Certain microscopic fetal abnormalities may also go undetected by ultrasound.

The main difference lies in the technology used: X-rays use ionizing radiation, while ultrasounds use high-frequency sound waves (ultrasonics). Each of these tests plays a specific role depending on what you’re trying to observe.

X-rays are ideal for viewing bones and lungs, whereas ultrasound allows for the observation of organs and tissues and for monitoring fetal development.

A Doppler exam is a type of ultrasound that uses sound waves to observe blood flow in arteries and veins. It assesses the volume, speed, and direction of blood flow to detect any blockages or narrowing of the blood vessels.

A Doppler ultrasound can be used to diagnose many vascular conditions, such as phlebitis (thrombosis) and arterial diseases, and to screen for cholesterol plaques in the neck arteries to help prevent the risk of stroke.

A Doppler scan can be slightly longer than a standard ultrasound, between 20 and 40 minutes depending on the vascular segments studied.

Ultrasound allows us to visualize the structure of organs and tissues, while Doppler specifically evaluates blood circulation in the vessels. Both examinations use ultrasound, but fulfill complementary objectives. The Doppler is an additional module that can be added to a standard ultrasound. We first use the ultrasound image to see the vessel, then the Doppler function allows us to analyze the blood circulating there.

For musculoskeletal injections of cortisone, it is generally recommended not to exceed 3 to 4 injections per year in the same joint, with a minimum interval of 6 weeks to 3 months between each injection in a body region. Frequency is limited to avoid long-term side effects of corticosteroids.

The main difference between the two types of infiltrations lies in their mechanism of action: cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory that quickly relieves symptoms, while Plasma-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a biological treatment that uses the patient’s blood to stimulate the healing process and regenerate tissues.

Cortisone infiltrations are a common choice for treating acute inflammatory flare-ups (such as bursitis), while PRP is often preferred for chronic tendonitis, ligament damage and osteoarthritis.

It is not necessary to undress completely for a bone density test, but you will have to remove your clothes that have metal (buttons, zippers, staples, bra ribs) at the level of the lumbar spine and hips.

Osteoporosis is often asymptomatic in its early stages. Most often, the disease is revealed by a first fracture, which occurs during a shock or a minor fall. However, other signs may appear as the disease progresses:

• Bone pain

• Loss of height (often several centimetres).

• Stooped posture or bump in the upper back.

The frequency of bone densitometry depends on your age, risk factors and previous examination results. If the density is normal or bone loss is benign, the examination is usually repeated every 3 to 5 years in people over 65, especially if no risk factors are added.

More frequent follow-up may be required if you are taking medication, such as corticosteroids. If you are on treatment for osteoporosis, your doctor may prescribe a test after 1 or 2 years to assess the effectiveness of the treatment.

After an injection of PRP, the goal is to maximize the natural inflammatory response, which is essential to stimulate healing. Here are some recommendations to follow:

• Observe a strict rest of the treated area for 24 to 48 hours.

• Apply ice (10 minutes every 2 hours) to reduce discomfort and swelling.

• Consume protein to promote tissue repair.

• Avoid anti-inflammatory drugs for at least 2 weeks, as they block the inflammation necessary for effective treatment.
• Avoid strenuous physical activity for about 2 weeks.

PRP injections work more slowly and its benefits develop over several weeks. The effect of PRP generally lasts between 6 and 18 months depending on the type of lesion treated and individual response. This is a long-lasting treatment that promotes long-term healing.

The possible complications of a PRP infiltration are rare and generally not serious. Since it is an autologous product, derived from your own blood, the risk of allergy or rejection is almost zero. 

The most common side effects are local reactions (pain, redness, swelling or bruising) at the injection site. These symptoms are temporary and disappear within a few days. Transient inflammation or body aches may also occur within 24 to 48 hours after the procedure, particularly during joint injections.

As with any procedure involving an injection, there is a very low risk of infection to the treated skin or joint. Vascular or nerve damage is rare, but it can occur if the needle touches a blood vessel or nerve.

No, platelet-rich plasma infiltrations are not covered by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). To find out the cost of injecting PRP, please refer to our fee schedule.

Several fees related to PRP infiltrations are reimbursed by private insurance, group insurance, as well as by the SAAQ and the CNESST (if the procedure is required by one of these two organizations).