Diagnostic Services

The Diagnostic Imaging Department at Middlesex Hospital Alliance encompasses multiple imaging services across both hospital sites

Booking Information

To book an appointment, please have the referring provider fax a completed requisition to the fax numbers provided below. All appointment information will be faxed back to the referring provider’s office to notify the patient.

Exam requested	Fax number
Breast Assessment	519-245-3843
BMD, Gastrics and Fluoroscopy	519-245-3843
General X-ray and Ultrasound	519-245-3843
CT & Echocardiograms	519-246-5930
ECG & Holters	SMGH 519-246-5919 FCHS  519-245-3843

Contact Information

To rebook or cancel your appointment, please contact the department by calling:

Examination	Hours of operation	Telephone number
Breast Screening & Assessment	Mon to Fri – 8am-4pm	519-246-5200
BMD, Gastrics and Fluoroscopy	Mon to Fri – 8am-4pm	519-245-5295 x 5546
General X-ray and Ultrasound	Mon to Fri – 8am-4pm	SMGH 519-245-5295 x 5546 FCHS  519-693-7111 x 2526
CT & Echocardiograms	Mon to Fri – 8am-4pm	519-245-5295 x 5640
ECG & Holters	Mon to Fri – 8am-4pm	SMGH 519-245-5295 x 5440 FCHS  519-693-7111 x 2526

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Requisition Forms

Breast Screening and Breast Assessment

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 directly. OBSP 519-246-5200

The OBSP recommends routine breast screening every two years for women aged 50 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 40-49 ,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 Densitometry (BMD)

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.

Radiology (General X-Ray)

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

Computed Tomography Scanner

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

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

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 US
• Musculoskeletal (MSK)  – SMGH only
• Breast US – SMGH only
• Arterial – FCHS only

Electrocardiogram and Holter Monitoring

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.

Laboratory

SMGH provides comprehensive laboratory services: (chemistry, immunology, blood transfusion, pathology, microbiology and phlebotomy). The Laboratory’s primary focus is on our inpatients and emergency patients. Outpatients are encouraged to use a community-based lab as recommended by your physician.