Diagnostic Services

Screening

The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) is a province-wide program that provides high quality OHIP-covered breast screening mammography services. Getting screened regularly with mammography is important because it can find cancer early. Women who meet these eligibility requirements are eligible to self-refer by calling OBSP directly at 519-246-5200.

The OBSP recommends routine breast screening every two years for women aged 40 to 74 if they:

• have no new breast cancer symptoms
• have no personal history of breast cancer
• have no current breast implants
• have not had a mastectomy
• have not had a screening mammogram within the last 12 months

Non-OBSP Screening

 A referral form is needed from your healthcare provider if you are:

• A woman aged 39 or younger with breast implants or a personal history of breast cancer
• A man with a strong family history of breast cancer

Approximately 10% of women who undergo screening will be called back for further tests and follow-up. Most women with abnormal mammograms do not have breast cancer. Additional testing may include additional mammography, breast ultrasound, and/or biopsies.

New Concerns

The Breast Assessment Program (BAP) is a fast-track program used to quickly assess a suspected abnormality and expedite diagnosis and treatment. Wait time for diagnosis becomes greatly reduced. Complex cases and high risk screening requiring MRI will be referred to St. Joseph’s Health Care (London). A referral must be faxed by the referring provider for all new concerns.

Bone Mineral Density testing is done to measure potential bone loss in a person who has risk factors for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass leading to fragile bones. It can help the physician and patient determine the risk of future fractures and the need for medical treatment.

General x-rays are the most frequent used form of medical imaging. X-ray procedures use a small dose of radiation to create an image of the inside of your body. X-rays are used to identify fractures (breaks), dislocations, infections, arthritis, bone disorders, chest and abdominal pathologies, as well as the presence of foreign bodies

CT stands for Computed Tomography. A CT scan uses x-ray technology to take multiple views of the inside of the body. Compared to regular x-rays, a CT scan can take clearer and more detailed images of organs, bone, soft tissue, blood vessels, and other parts of the body.

A CT scan is used to obtain information about many parts of the body, including:

• Most organs ( liver, pancreas, intestines, kidneys, chest)
• Blood vessels
• Abdominal cavity
• Bones

Echocardiography uses ultrasound to create images of the heart. It has become routinely used in the diagnostics, management and follow-up of patients with any suspected or known heart conditions. Sometimes, an injectable cardiovascular enhancing agent is used to brighten and clarify images of the heart which can help with diagnosis.

Ultrasound creates images using sound waves to take images of the inside of your body. Gel is put on the skin and a transducer (instrument shaped like a microphone) is moved over the area. This sends sound waves into the body and the returning sound waves (or echoes) make an image on the video screen. These images give your doctor information about the size, shape and texture of the body part being scanned.

Examinations offered:

• Abdominal & Pelvic
• Obstetrical & Gynecological
• Renal/Bladder
• Vascular
• Shoulder
• Musculoskeletal (MSK)  – SMGH only
• Breast – SMGH only
• Arterial – FCHS only

Electrocardiograms and Holter monitoring services are available at both sites of the MHA to help manage a patient’s cardiac health. 12 and 15 Lead Electrocardiograms and Holter Monitoring (up to 14 days) can assess irregular heart rhythms, evaluate dizziness and fainting, determine effects of heart drugs, and access Pacemaker function.

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan is a non-invasive imaging tool that uses a powerful magnet, radiofrequency waves, and a computer to generate cross-sectional images of internal organs, soft tissues and structures within the body. Unlike X-ray and CT scans, MRI does not use ionizing radiation and is particularly effective at revealing differences in soft tissue that may not be visible with other imaging techniques. Some MRI examinations require an injection of contrast to see structures more clearly.

At SMGH, we scan many body parts in MRI including:

· Head and spine

· Breast

· Abdomen and Pelvis

· Joints and Long bones

MRI scans are rarely urgent. In Ontario, appointments are booked according to standardized triage categories based on medical urgency. As a result, MRI scans are not usually performed within days of a doctor’s or emergency room visit. Depending on your condition, it may take days, weeks, or even months to receive an appointment.

An MRI scan can take between 15-60 minutes depending on the exam requested with results sent to your physician within 7-10 working days.