Our ultrasound department is located on the second floor of the hospital’s KW Campus at 835 King Street West in Kitchener.

We provide a wide range of procedures including obstetric and gynecological studies, abdominal and pelvic assessments, and vascular, musculoskeletal, breast and soft tissue evaluations. We are also well equipped to service pediatric patients.

All ultrasounds are performed at the KW Campus, with the exception of breast ultrasounds. These take place at the Waterloo Wellington Breast Centre at our Freeport Campus, at 3570 King Street East in Kitchener.

All ultrasound examinations are scheduled appointments and a doctor's referral is required. Patients should bring their requisition with them. Staff members are available 24 hours a day for emergency cases.

Patient preparations

If you are scheduled for any of the following ultrasound exams, there is no preparation required:

  • Carotids (Doppler);
  • Chest;
  • Deep vein thrombosis (Doppler);
  • Head (new born less than one year. Limited to closure of fontanel);
  • Hips;
  • Kidneys only;
  • Musculoskeletal (includes shoulder, knees, elbow or wrist);
  • Parotid/submandibular glands;
  • Peripheral artery “segmental pressures";
  • Testicles;
  • Thyroid; and
  • Soft tissue masses.

The following tests require the patient to be NPO (nothing to eat or drink from midnight on): 
The patient may take needed medications with a sip of water.

  • Abdomen;
  • Gallbladder only;
  • Portal hepatic Doppler study;
  • Renal vein study; and
  • US of aorta.

The following tests require the patient to finish drinking 1 litre of water 1 hour prior to their test:

  • Pelvis;
  • Abdomen and pelvis (NPO) + 1 litre of water;
  • Kidneys and pelvis;
  • Kidneys and bladder (renal colic study);
  • Pregnancy (exceptions >35 weeks gestation);
  • Biophysical profile (exception >35 weeks gestation); and
  • Appendix.

The following tests require the patient to administer a fleet enema 1 hour prior to their test:

  • Transrectal prostate study.

All areas that are to be examined need to be readily accessible by ultrasound. Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily removed.

If you require an ultrasound as part of a biopsy, please contact 519-749-4262 for more information on how to prepare for your exam.