Pain Injection

For spine and/or hip injections:

  • Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment.
  • You will require a driver. Please arrange for a person to drive you to your appointment and back.
  • Your appointment may take up to 2 hours.
  • Discontinuation of blood-thinners, anticoagulants, antiplatelet medication: Please remember to follow this instruction IF provided to you by your referring or consulting physician.
  • Please fast for 4 hours prior to your procedure. Medications (excluding blood thinners) may be taken in the morning with water.
  • If you have diabetes, you will need to remove any blood sugar sensors/transmitters/receivers or insulin pumps as these devices may be exposed to radiation.
  • Please bring a valid health card, any relevant WSIB Information (claim number, date of injury and site of injury) and all your medications with you on the day of your appointment.
  • During the booking of your appointment, you may have been instructed to pick-up your medication from the pharmacy on the day of your procedure. Please remember to do so if this was the instruction provided to you.

For all other injections:

  • Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment.
  • Your appointment may take up to 2 hours.
  • If you have diabetes, you will need to remove any blood sugar sensors/transmitters/receivers or insulin pumps as these devices may be exposed to radiation.
  • Please bring a valid health card, any relevant WSIB Information (claim number, date of injury and site of injury) and all your medications with you on the day of your appointment.
  • During the booking of your appointment, you may have been instructed pick-up your medication from the pharmacy, on the day of your procedure. Please remember to do so if this was the instruction provided to you.

PET/CT

  • The evening before your scan, do not consume sugary drinks or foods, such as juice, soda, rice, pasta, white bread or baked goods. For the full day prior to your scan, choose higher protein foods, such as nuts, seeds, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cheese, beans and vegetables.
  • Discontinue vitamins, supplements and caffeine the evening before your scan. You may take your regular medications, unless they contain caffeine.
  • Do not exercise for 12 hours prior to your scan and minimize your physical activity for the full day prior to your scan.
  • Do not eat or drink anything other than plain water for 6 hours prior to your scan.
  • Wear loose, comfortable layers of clothing that are free of metal buttons and zippers.

Special Instructions for Diabetic Patients:

  • These instructions apply to both insulin-dependent and non-insulin dependent patients.
  • In order to acquire a good PET/CT scan for you, we REQUIRE your blood sugar level to be under or equal to 10.0 mmol/L (180.0 mg/dL). It is ideal to have a blood sugar level between 4.0 – 7.0 mmol/L for our test.
  • DO NOT take your Insulin or diabetic medications (metformin, glyburide, glucophage, januvia, etc.) 4 hours prior to your appointment.
  • DO NOT eat or drink anything 6 hours of your appointment. Drinking plain water is encouraged for your test.
  • You will be requested to provide to 2 recent glucose readings when confirming your appointment.
  • If you have a morning appointment, it is suggested that you fast overnight to keep your blood sugar level down the next morning.
  • If you have trouble controlling your blood sugar level or have blood sugar readings typically above 10.0 mmol/L, please notify the clinic.

Ga-68 PSMA ILLUCIX PET/CT SCAN INSTRUCTIONS:

  • No dietary restrictions prior to scan.
  • Drink water the morning of the exam: (2) 16 oz glasses of water 2 hours prior to the exam. Stay hydrated.
  • No vigorous exercise 24 hours prior to your appointment.
  • Wear comfortable clothes, with no buckles or metal.
  • If you are claustrophobic, please consult with your physician and notify the PET/CT technologist upon your arrival. If you take or anticipate needing any medication, please bring the medication with you as out facility doesn’t stock medications for this purpose.
  • Due to radioactivity used during the exam, we discourage visitors younger than 5 years old.
  • Important Note: This exam requires a special, time-sensitive medication ordered specifically for you. Please arrive on time as the medication may not be useable if you are late.
  • Please allow 2 hours for your entire appointment.