FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions

We Look Forward to Working With You

We look forward to partnering with you to support your health and wellbeing. If you have any questions about topics not covered in our FAQ, please feel free to reach out.

Do You Have Questions About Our Imaging and Health Screening Services?

0700 700 7799
Ultrasound uses sound waves and not radiation. Ultrasound has been used for more than 40 years, and there is no proven risk to either Mother or Baby.


Ultrasound in pregnancy can be used from a foetal age of 6 weeks; and is used to demonstrate the foetus (such as size, gestational age, body structures) and the position of the placenta in the uterus. There have been a number of studies on ultrasound safety, yet none have shown a detrimental effect to babies or Mother.

However, Hamilton Radiology takes care to provide quality ultrasound equipment, and minimize ultrasound examination time and number of ultrasound examinations required during pregnancy.

After you have had a plain X-ray your Doctor may have suggested a CT scan. Many patients question why CT examinations cost so much more than a plain X-ray. The cost of the equipment for CT examination (scanner and computer) is significantly higher (about 30 times more) than the cost of a room used for plain X-rays
MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. MRI uses a magnetic field and a sophisticated computer system to give detailed images of the body. It is used widely for soft tissue areas such as your brain, tendons and muscles and spine.
We operate a one patient, one relative policy.

Most results are ready within 24-72hours. We will email you as soon as they are available. You can also log in to your secure portal here using the Patient ID and password on your payment receipt to view them at your convenience.

We offer a range of convenient payment methods for your procedure. You can pay via cash, bank transfer, or debit card (via our POS) . Payment is simply made before your service.

For HMO patients, we make the process easy by processing your approval on-site at our centre before your procedure.

No referral needed! You’re welcome to schedule directly with us. For HMO patients, approval from your insurance provider is required and you can take care of that right here at our centre before your procedure.

Yes! You can book online through our website or call us directly. We offer flexible scheduling including same-day appointments when available.

Yes. Our in-house radiologists and laboratory technicians carefully review and interpret your results, and a detailed report is prepared based on their findings.

However, for a deeper understanding of what your results mean, including diagnosis, severity, how they relate to your symptoms, and next steps, we recommend consulting with your referring or primary care doctor. They have the full context of your medical history and can guide you on the best course of action.

We’re open seven days a week for your convenience:
Weekdays: 8am – 8pm
Weekends & Public Holidays: 8am – 8pm

Radiology FAQs

Yes. We require a recent creatinine blood test result to assess kidney function.

We do the test here at our centre before your MRI so you do not have to worry.

  • If you already have a creatinine result, please ensure it was done on the same day of your MRI appointment. Otherwise, you can run another test at our facility.

When you pay for your MRI, the required kidney function blood work is added to your bill if you do not have a valid creatinine test.

MRI is a painless procedure. We have trained radiologists who would instruct you on what to do every step of the way. The claustrophobic feeling some patients would feel in the MR scanner is less of a problem as our newer MR scanners are much less confining than older models.

The examinations are interpreted by board-certified radiologists. The results can be accessed on your secure patient portal at portal.foremostradiology.com using the unique log in and password on your receipt when ready. You would also get an email which includes your full report once its ready

Pathology & Laboratory FAQs

Fasting: Do not eat or drink anything except water for 8–12 hours before your test.

Timing: Please arrive at the laboratory before 10:00 AM to ensure your sample is collected within the optimal window.

Medication: If you take regular medication, please check with your physician beforehand whether you should take it on the morning of the test.

Sample Collection: A phlebotomist will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm.

After the test: You may eat and drink immediately. You may wish to bring a snack to have after your blood is drawn.

Day 2 of your cycle: This is typically for assessing baseline ovarian function, including FSH, LH, and Estradiol levels. Day 1 of your cycle is counted as the first day of full menstrual flow.

And

Day 21 of your cycle: This is typically for assessing ovulation and progesterone levels. Your physician will specify which date applies based on the information they require.

Hormone levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle. Performing the test on specific days allows your physician to accurately assess different phases of your cycle and identify potential imbalances.

Schedule the test before 10:00 AM as it would help ensure that the cell sample collected is clear and adequate for accurate analysis by the pathologist.

For 48 hours before your test, please avoid:

  • Intercourse as it can irritate the skin of the cervix, introduce bacteria, and inflame vaginal tissue.
  • Douching
  • Using any vaginal creams, suppositories, or vaginal medications
  • Do not schedule a test on your period

If you have already had sex within 24-48 hours of your appointment, you should let your doctor know, as they may decide to reschedule or take this into account when analyzing your results.

You may experience very light spotting immediately after the test, but this is normal and should resolve quickly. You can resume all normal activities immediately.

Day 1: Have sexual intercourse or masturbate.
Days 2–4: Abstain from sexual activity.
Day 5: Arrive at the facility before 9:00 AM for your test.

Important:

Please avoid alcohol, caffeine, and recreational drugs (e.g., cocaine, marijuana).

Stop all herbal medications.

Avoid any hormone medications prior to the test.

Cardiology FAQs

No preparation is required. During the examination, you would have to take off anything metallic that might hinder the evaluation of the area examined, e.g. jewellery, hair clips, underwire bras, zippers or buttons. This is to ensure that your test is accurately diagnosed and reported.

Different types of ECG and Cardiology tests may require different instructions. This is no concern at all as you would be guided by our trained specialists and doctors throughout your procedure.

Your tests are interpreted by board-certified radiologists. The results can be accessed on your secure patient portal at portal.foremostradiology.com using the unique log in and password on your receipt when it is ready. You would also get an email which includes your full report once its ready.

Interventional radiology FAQs

Proper bowel preparation is essential for a successful colonoscopy. Please follow this three-day schedule exactly as instructed.

Day 1 (Three days before your procedure)

Time What to do
5:00 PM Dissolve 1 sachet of Epsom Salt in 500ml of water and drink the entire amount.
7:00 PM Take 3 tablets of Duclox with a full glass of water.
All Day Eat only a light diet. You may have rice, pasta, bread, or plain crackers.
Avoid No vegetables, no fruits.

Day 2 (Two days before your procedure)

Time What to do
5:00 PM Dissolve 1 sachet of Epsom Salt in 500ml of water and drink the entire amount.
7:00 PM Take 3 tablets of Duclox with a full glass of water.
All Day Eat only a liquid diet. You may have pap or custard.
Avoid No vegetables, no fruits.

Day 3 (Day of your procedure)

Time What to do
5:00 AM Dissolve 1 sachet of Epsom Salt in 500ml of water and drink the entire amount.
5:00 AM – 7:00 AM You may drink only plain water. No other liquids or foods.
After 7:00 AM Nothing by mouth. Do not eat or drink anything, including water, until after your procedure is completed.

Ultrasound imaging is a painless procedure. During the exam, a water-based gel is applied to the area to be examined.

The examinations are interpreted by certified radiologists. The results will be sent to the referring physician as soon as they are interpreted. The patient should contact the referring physician to discuss the results and ask for further recommendations.