Radiography (X-Ray)

X-ray is a very important diagnostic tool and one of the oldest forms of diagnostic imaging. It is used to create images of the body's internal structures. X-ray exams are performed by medical radiation technologists. X-ray is used to detect abnormalities in bones, lungs and other internal structures.

Most x-rays do not require appointments; walk-ins are accepted between 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.

X-Ray Services

• Skeletal or Metastatic Surveys (appointment needed)
• Upper Gastrointestinal Exams (appointment needed)
• Arthrogram – Joint Examination (appointment needed)
• Hystersalpingogram – examination of uterus and  fallopian tubes (appointment needed)
• Fluoroscopy (appointment needed)

Appointments and Referrals

We now accept eReferrals from Primary Care!  Find us on the OCEAN Health Map.

Ocean eReferral Sign up

If you are a primary care provider and want to sign up for OCEAN eReferral, complete the online quick form or email @email.

We are here to support you. You may reach us at 416-469-6401 (the main DI line) from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If you require assistance outside of regular business hours, you may choose one of the following options:

• Leave a voice mail message at 416-469-6401
• Send us an email at @email

What to expect

Please review the following instructions for X-rays.

1. For all X-Ray tests and procedures: If you are pregnant, or think you might be, please call a technologist at 416-469-6401 before the test begins, as the test may have to be postponed or canceled.
2. Joint Injection, Joint Aspiration, and Arthrogram:
   If you are taking a blood thinner such as Plavix or Coumadin, please contact your doctor to discuss stopping those medications.
3. Please arrange for transportation home - do not plan to drive yourself. Please be prepared to keep physical activity of the affected joint to a minimum on the day of the procedure.
4. Hypaque enema: No preparation is required. The examination will take approximately 30 minutes.
5. UGI or Upper GI Series and Barium Swallow: Please do not eat or drink for at least 8 hours before the exam. Please bring any medications that need to be taken after the exam is finished. The examination will take approximately 20 minutes.

Lead Shielding Notice 

Effective June, 2026, Along with other hospitals in Canada including SickKids Hospital, Michael Garron Hospital’s Diagnostic Imaging department will no longer be offering lead shielding during X-ray exams. This practice is not recommended by medical professionals and organizations around the world.

Recent evidence and guidelines from Health Canada's Safety Code 35, as well as recommendations from the Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR), indicate that gonadal and fetal shielding during X-ray imaging does not significantly reduce radiation risk and may interfere with diagnostic quality. Therefore, to optimize patient care and ensure adherence to current best practices, this policy mandates the discontinuation of these shielding practices.

Please see the following MGH Educational Material on the discontinuation of Shielding. 

• ​Notice Statement DI Discontinuation of Use of Gonadal and Fetal Shielding
• ​MGH Xray Gonadal Shielding Info Card
• ​MGH Lead Shielding Poster