Diagnostic Imaging Archives – Bay College Lockwood Clinic

Allergy Testing: What to Expect and How It Helps

June 30, 2025June 26, 2025 by Adminny

doctor doing skin allergy test at light table, top view

Seasonal sniffles, unexplained rashes, and late-night coughing fits share one root cause more often than you may think: allergies. An accurate test unpacks those symptoms, matches them to specific triggers, and lays the groundwork for a care plan you can trust.

At downtown Toronto’s Lockwood Clinic, allergy testing fits smoothly into a single visit, giving you fast answers and a clear path forward.

What Is an Allergy?

An allergy is an exaggerated immune response to a harmless substance such as pollen, dust mites, or certain foods. When your body mistakes that substance for a threat, it releases histamine and other chemicals that create itch, swelling, sneezing, or wheezing. Pinpointing the exact trigger allows you to limit exposure and choose treatments that calm the immune system instead of masking flare-ups.

Why Consider Allergy Testing?

Most people reach for over-the-counter pills when symptoms strike, yet guessing the trigger can keep you in a cycle of flare and relief. Testing provides:

Clarity: Know whether the culprit is ragweed, cat dander, or last night’s shrimp.
Targeted care: Select antihistamines, nasal sprays, or immunotherapy that match the trigger.
Lifestyle tips: Adjust cleaning routines, air filters, or meal plans based on solid evidence.
Peace of mind: Rule out serious conditions that can mimic allergy signs, such as asthma or eczema.

Types of Allergy Tests Offered at Lockwood Clinic

Before any samples are taken, your clinician will help you match the test to your symptoms, medical history, and medication list. Having the right method from the start avoids repeat appointments and gives the most reliable answers.

Skin Prick Test: A nurse places tiny drops of diluted allergens (e.g. as ragweed, mould, or pet dander) on your forearm or upper back, then makes a shallow scratch through each drop. If you are sensitive, a small, mosquito-bite-sized welt appears within 15 minutes. This test covers up to 40 allergens at once and is usually painless, aside from mild itching.
Intradermal Test: When a skin-prick result is borderline or when drug allergies are suspected, a trace amount of the allergen is injected just under the first skin layer. Because it reaches slightly deeper tissue, this method picks up reactions the prick test can miss.
Patch Test: Ideal for contact dermatitis, the test uses adhesive patches containing common culprits (e.g. nickel, latex, fragrances) that stay on your back for 48 hours. After removal, the nurse checks for redness or blistering that signals sensitivity to products that touch your skin.
Specific IgE Blood Test: A single blood draw measures the level of allergy antibodies circulating in your system. It is perfect for patients who cannot stop antihistamines, have eczema that makes skin tests hard to read, or want results for dozens of allergens without multiple needle pricks.

How to Prepare for Your Appointment

A smooth session starts with a little planning.

Pause antihistamines: Stop oral and topical antihistamines five days before testing so they do not blunt the skin response.
Gather a symptom diary: Note when flare-ups happen, what you ate, and where you were. The diary guides test selection.
Wear short sleeves or loose clothing: Easy access speeds the skin test process.
Eat a light meal: A steady blood sugar level makes blood draws easier and keeps you comfortable.

What Happens on Test Day?

Each step is quick, gentle, and explained in plain language.

Check-in and medical history review: A nurse confirms medications, recent illnesses, and past reactions.
Skin preparation: The test area is cleaned with alcohol to prevent infection.
Allergen application: Drops or injections go on marked spots. You may feel mild pressure but no real pain.
Observation period: You relax in the clinic lounge while staff monitor for bumps or redness.
Measurement and recording: Raised areas are measured in millimetres to grade reaction strength.
Blood draw (if needed): A phlebotomist collects a small sample for laboratory analysis.
Results discussion: A clinician explains findings, answers questions, and outlines next steps. You leave with printed results and a care plan.

The entire visit usually runs 60 to 90 minutes, and you can resume normal activities right after.

Understanding Your Results

Numbers and millimetre readings only matter when they translate into day-to-day choices. Your clinician will pair the data with your symptom diary to build a practical action plan.

Positive Result: A raised bump on skin testing or an elevated IgE level confirms that your immune system flags that substance as a threat. Expect advice on targeted medications, avoidance tactics, and possible immunotherapy.
Negative Result: No measurable reaction means that the allergen is unlikely to be driving your symptoms. Your clinician may investigate other triggers, such as irritants or chronic sinus issues.
Borderline Result: A mild skin welt or mid-range antibody count can go either way. Follow-up options include a repeat test in several months, an elimination diet, or a monitored exposure challenge to settle the question.

How Allergy Testing Improves Daily Living

Knowing the trigger is only the first step; acting on it brings the real payoff.

Medication match: Choose the right antihistamine or inhaler strength and avoid drug side effects from guesswork.
Home adjustments: Install high-efficiency filters, wash bedding in hot water weekly, or keep pets out of bedrooms.
Diet upgrades: Swap allergenic foods for safe, nutritious options and remove the fear of accidental reactions.
Immunotherapy pathway: Candidates with severe or multiple allergies can start shots or tablets that retrain the immune system over time.
Travel confidence: Pack wisely for trips, avoiding unknown foods or hotel rooms with down bedding.

Common Myths About Allergy Testing

Misconceptions stop many people from seeking the relief they deserve. Let’s clear up the biggest ones.

“Testing is painful.” Skin pricks feel like light scratches, and blood draws use a fine-gauge needle. Most patients describe mild, momentary discomfort.
“It takes forever to get answers.” Skin-test reactions appear in 15 minutes, and blood-work results usually come back within a week.
“Children are too young to be tested.” Infants as young as six months can be assessed safely, allowing parents to adjust diets or home environments early on.
“Drugstore tablets are all I need.” Antihistamines mask symptoms but do not tell you what to avoid or whether immunotherapy could cut your medication use long-term.

Why Choose Lockwood Clinic for Allergy Testing?

Identifying a trigger is only half the battle; you also want a walk-in clinic that makes the whole experience seamless. Lockwood Clinic combines nearly a century of medical expertise with modern walk-in convenience, letting you move from testing to treatment without extra stops.

One-Stop Care: Family physicians, diagnostic nurses, and an on-site pharmacy share one roof, so you can consult, test, and fill prescriptions in a single visit.
Same-Day Access: Walk-in and extended-hour appointments mean you avoid weeks-long waits common at many specialty centres.
Downtown Location: Situated close to multiple transit lines and with parking nearby, the clinic is easy to reach whether you live in the core or commute in for work.
Experienced Team: Decades of collective experience ensure precise testing techniques and clear explanations. No medical jargon, just actionable advice.
Flexible Follow-Up: Prefer virtual check-ins? Need an after-work slot? The clinic offers phone, video, and late-day appointments to keep your care on track without disrupting your schedule.

Book Your Allergy Assessment

Clear breathing, restful sleep, and rash-free skin start with solid information. Schedule an allergy test at Lockwood Clinic, bring your symptom diary, and leave with a concrete plan to feel better. Call, walk in, or book online today; relief is closer than you think.

Preparing for Your Ultrasound: What to Expect and How to Get the Most Accurate Results

April 24, 2025April 28, 2023 by Adminny

Preparing for an ultrasound can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t know what to expect.

With this blog, we’ll walk through everything from pre-exam preparation tips to a step-by-step guide on the day of your exam. This way, you can ensure accurate results from your ultrasound.

By following our advice and instructions, you will provide medical staff with the reliable information they need to diagnose any issues or concerns properly. So read on to learn more about preparing correctly for your upcoming ultrasound!

The purpose of ultrasound and why it’s important

Ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging test that uses sound waves to produce images of organs and structures inside the body. It’s a painless, non-invasive, and safe procedure that allows doctors to view the inside of the body without making any incisions.

This imaging test is commonly used to monitor fetal development during pregnancy, diagnose and monitor conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and kidney disease. Ultrasound imaging can also be useful for guiding medical procedures such as biopsies and surgeries.

Ultrasound is an important tool in modern medicine as it enables early detection and diagnosis of various medical conditions, allowing for more timely and effective treatment.

What to expect during an ultrasound exam

Feeling anxious about what to expect is natural if you’ve never had an ultrasound exam. The good news is that there’s nothing to worry about — an ultrasound is a painless and non-invasive procedure that gives your healthcare provider a closer look at what’s happening inside your body.

During the ultrasound exam, you’ll lie on a table while a technician applies a special gel to your skin. This gel helps transmit sound waves from the ultrasound machine to your body, which bounces back to create images your healthcare provider can interpret.
The technician will move a wand — called a transducer — over the examined area, capturing different views that can be studied in detail.
You may be asked to change positions or hold your breath at certain points during the exam to get better images.

The exam typically takes less than 30 minutes, and you can go about your day as usual afterwards.

Pre-appointment tips for ultrasound imaging – fasting, clothing & more

Before going in for an ultrasound test, remember these important pre-appointment tips.

Firstly, it’s highly recommended to fast before the appointment if your doctor has asked you to do so. This means not eating or drinking anything, except water, for a certain amount of time before the appointment.
Additionally, wear comfortable clothing that allows easy movement during the procedures. It is also a good idea to bring along any necessary paperwork, medical records, and a list of current medications you are taking.
If you’re getting a pelvic ultrasound, you may be asked to drink water before the exam to fill your bladder, which can cause discomfort or the urge to urinate.
Bring a book or music to distract yourself during the exam and ask the technician to explain what they are doing and what to expect.

By following these pre-appointment tips, you can ensure that your visit goes smoothly and that you are fully prepared for any tests or procedures that may be required.

How to get the most accurate results from your ultrasound?

When it comes to getting accurate results from your ultrasound, there are a few key things to keep in mind.

First and foremost, it’s important to choose a reputable ultrasound technician or facility. Look for recommendations from trusted sources or ask your doctor for referrals.
Communicate any relevant health information or concerns with the technician during the ultrasound. Providing them with as much information as possible can help ensure they capture the best images and data.
Additionally, following any preparation instructions provided by the technician or doctor, such as drinking water or abstaining from food, can improve the accuracy of the results.
Finally, it’s important to follow up with your doctor to review the results and ask any questions you may have.

With these tips in mind, you can maximize the accuracy and usefulness of your ultrasound.

Post-appointment tips for an ultrasound – follow-up care & advice

By following these post-appointment tips, you can help ensure proper follow-up care and stay on top of your overall health and well-being.

Follow any instructions given by your healthcare provider or the ultrasound technician. They may have specific recommendations based on the results or the reason for the test.
Drink plenty of water to help flush out any contrast material used during the exam and to help keep you hydrated.
Take it easy for the rest of the day, especially if you had an invasive ultrasound exam such as a transvaginal or transrectal ultrasound. You may experience some mild discomfort or spotting, which is normal.
If you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects after the exam, such as fever, severe pain, or excessive bleeding, contact your healthcare provider right away.
Follow a healthy diet and exercise routine, as recommended by your healthcare provider. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can prevent many health problems and may reduce the need for future ultrasound exams.
Keep any follow-up appointments scheduled with your healthcare provider or the imaging center. They may want to review the exam results with you in person or schedule additional testing if needed.

Final Thoughts

Ultrasound exams can be an invaluable tool in diagnosing and managing many medical conditions.

And you can ensure accurate ultrasound results by following pre-appointment tips like fasting beforehand, wearing comfortable clothing, and drinking plenty of fluids. It’s best practice to ensure you’re as still as possible and avoid eating or drinking during the exam.

Here at Lockwood Clinic, we can guarantee accurate ultrasound results thanks to the advanced imaging technology we use. During the exam, an experienced technician will also walk you through what to expect, give you step-by-step guidance and gauge your responses throughout the procedure.

Lastly, remember aftercare post-appointment tips, such as calling your doctor with any questions or concerns about the results. By following these steps, you can ensure an accurate and timely diagnosis for any medical condition that may arise.

Difference between X-ray and Ultrasound

April 24, 2025December 13, 2021 by Adminny

Advancements in medical technology have made it possible to see inside the body with painless, noninvasive measures. These include x-rays and ultrasounds along with MRIs and CT scans. Each of these works in different ways and has different applications.

However, one thing remains consistent across each of these types of diagnostic imaging: they are safer, easier, and more comfortable than invasive measures. Therefore, even though it can be daunting when your doctor says you need one of these types of imaging, rest assured they will often be far simpler than patients expect.

Here we will look at the differences between x-rays and ultrasounds and the best uses for each.

Main Difference Between X-Ray and Ultrasound

Though there are many differences between how an ultrasound and x-ray works and how they are performed, the main difference a patient should understand is what each is used for. Ultrasound is used primarily for diagnostic imaging of soft tissue while x-rays are primarily used to see bone and some dense tissue areas.

For example, if you have a broken bone, an x-ray will be used. However, if you have a sprain or injury to the muscle, an ultrasound will be ordered. For injuries impacting both bones and soft tissue, your doctor may order both.

What is an X-Ray and How Does it Work?

An x-ray is a type of diagnostic imaging that uses electromagnetic waves to get a picture of what is on the inside of your body. Specifically, it uses radiation to see through the layers of skin and other tissue in order to produce an image of your bones. This is possible because each part of your body absorbs x-ray energy at different rates.

So, while an x-ray may be able to pass through your skin, your bones are too dense. Therefore, the bones will show up white on an x-ray image while lungs, heart, and other organs will be dark. With this method, your doctor will be able to see breaks, fractures, and other abnormalities in your bones. Similarly, foreign objects will often be visible on an x-ray, making it an important tool for locating and removing metal and other materials that may become lodged in the body.

Are X-Rays Safe?

X-rays do expose you to radiation, however; the amount is typically quite small. For example, a chest x-ray exposes a patient to around the same amount of radiation you would naturally receive from the environment over a week and a half. Though the idea of radiation can be alarming, it is important to remember that radiation is already part of our environment. Moreover, the findings available from an x-ray can save you from surgery, make a surgery more effective, and help to catch health problems early.

What are X-Rays Used For?

X-rays, as mentioned above, are most often used to view bone fractures and breaks. However, they are also used for imaging for the following:

Detecting certain cancers
Locating bone tumors
Dental imaging
Swallowing difficulty (dysphagia)
Lung problems
Certain heart conditions
Imaging to assist surgeons in certain procedures

What is an Ultrasound and How Does it Work?

An ultrasound, also called sonography, uses soundwaves to produce an image of your internal organs and other soft tissues. These sound waves are produced by a device called a transducer. This device sends out soundwaves and can also sense the sounds echoed back. Through these echoes, an image is formed of the area being observed.

Most often, a transducer is placed on the skin in order to produce an image of the tissues underneath. However, for certain conditions and issues and to produce the highest quality images, probes may be put on the inside of the body as well.

What is the Gel in Ultrasounds For?

If you have ever had an ultrasound or seen one performed, you have likely seen the technician spread a kind of gel on the skin before beginning the procedure. This gel creates a better seal between your skin and the ultrasound device, preventing any air pockets. This is necessary since ultrasound waves may be impeded by air.

Are Ultrasounds Safe?’

3D ultrasound imaging was first invented in the 1980s and became increasingly sophisticated. By the 90s it had become fairly common and was frequently used to assess pregnancy health. In the decades since its inception, there have been no risks detected.

Why Would You Need an Ultrasound?

Ultrasounds are used for a wide range of reasons, including both diagnostic reasons and therapeutic. It is most commonly used to check the health of a developing fetus since it does not pose a radiation concern like an x-ray does. These are some other common uses for ultrasounds:

Detect thyroid issues
Examine tumors
Assess inflammation of the joints
Assist in a prostate exam
Check blood flow through the veins
Detect gallbladder disease

Note, while ultrasounds are useful they do have significant limitations. Along with not being a good tool for producing images of bones, it also cannot take images of areas filled with air, such as the lungs. Just as a gel is needed to prevent air from forming between the skin and the transducer, the air in the lungs will block soundwaves.

CT Scans and MRIs

CT scans and MRIs are the other common diagnostic imaging tools. With an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) a magnetic field along with radio frequencies are used to produce a full body image. Your doctor may order this for a number of reasons as it is one of the best ways to get a total body scan of your internal organs and skeletal structure.

MRIs are commonly used to diagnose and assess issues with joints, the brain, heart, and blood vessels.

CT scans (Computed Tomography) takes a series of x-ray images to produce an image of everything from soft tissues to skeletal structure and even blood vessels.

CT scans are commonly used to diagnose and assess issues with bone fractures, tumors, and internal bleeding.

Both CT Scans and MRIs are less common than ultrasounds and x-rays. Both produce a more complete image of internal structures, but this may not be necessary in all situations. This is why your doctor will not order one unless necessary.

Where Can I Get Diagnostic Imaging?

Diagnostic imaging is an important part of diagnosing and treating various conditions. At BCML we offer each of these imaging services for your health and convenience. To schedule your appointment, call our caring team at 416-929-1900.