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Diagnostic Services | Bermuda Hospitals Board

Diagnostic care is an essential part of treating patients. The right diagnostic evaluation within the right time frame makes a big difference in patient care, and when it comes to your health, we understand that you want answers right away. That’s why our diagnostic services staff work efficiently to get test results to your physician as soon as possible.

BHB has a full range of diagnostic services for testing and screening of illness and injury that are dedicated to improving care while minimising risks to the patient.

Bone Density Tests

Bone Density Testing

Ground Floor, General Wing, KEMH

10am to 3pm Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Tel: (441) 239-1223

 

Bone Density Tests (also called densitometry or DEXA scans) use X-rays to measure how much calcium and other bone minerals are present in a segment of bone. The test can determine whether you have osteoporosis or are at risk for it before you break any bones. Preventive measures, including weight-bearing exercise, calcium, vitamin D supplements and prescription medication, can then be taken.

Cardiac Diagnostics

Cardiac Diagnostics

The Mary & David Barber Cardiac Diagnostic Unit provides tests to help evaluate the cardiac function of adults and, to a limited extent, children.

Click here for more information about Cardiac Diagnostics.

CAT/CT Scans

Computerised Axial Tomography (CT/CAT) Scans

Ground Floor, Acute Care Wing, KEMH

8am to 6pm Monday to Friday

Tel: (441) 239-1144

 

Computed tomography (CAT or CT) scans have become the preferred method of imaging many diseases of the bowel, colon, liver, spleen and other organs. The CT scanner is a large, specialised X-ray machine that takes a series of digital images as the patient moves through a hole in the center of the machine. The resulting images are computer processed to show cross sections of the body’s tissues and organs.

Digital Radiography (X-ray)

Digital Radiography (X-ray)

Ground Floor, Acute Care Wing, KEMH Locations and Maps

Walk-ins 10am to 6pm Monday to Friday

Tel: (441) 239-1144

 

The first form of medical imaging technology, X-rays continue to be extremely useful diagnostic tools. The term radiology is now used to encompass many forms of medical imaging, including contrast studies for soft tissue examinations and real time fluoroscopy. A radiologist is a doctor who specialises in interpreting all the types of diagnostic images described here.

Laboratory Services

Laboratory Services

Laboratory tests play a crucial role in the medical decisions doctors make about patient’s health, from diagnosis through to therapy and prognosis.

Click here for more information about Laboratory Services.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Ground Floor, Acute Care Wing, KEMH

8am to 8pm Monday to Thursday
8am to 6pm Friday

Tel: (441) 239-1144

 

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) combines radio waves, a powerful electromagnet and computer software to create images of soft tissue without using radiation. MRI can often diagnose and assess certain diseases earlier than is possible with other diagnostic techniques. Exams typically last from 20 minutes to an hour.

Patients are requested to arrive half an hour early for screening and preparation. All jewellery must be removed and the technician notified about any implants, such as fibrillators and artificial joints.

Mammography

Mammography

Ground Floor, General Wing, KEMH

8am to 4pm Monday to Friday

Tel: (441) 239-1223

 

Along with breast self-examination, mammography has become an essential tool for the detection of breast cancer before it has had time to spread to other parts of the body. The breast is compressed and X-rayed to reveal abnormal-looking masses that can then be biopsied using fine needle aspiration or stereotactic breast biopsy, a minimally invasive procedure that uses mammography to pinpoint the location of a tumour.

Mammography

Understanding Breast Cancer

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear Medicine

Ground Floor, General Wing, KEMH

8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday

Tel: (441) 239-1223

 

Nuclear medicine involves the use of a small amount of radioactive tracers for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Tests are typically conducted in two parts, with a wait between administration of the tracer and the diagnostic scan.

The scan provides information about how a particular organ is functioning. It is useful in evaluating functioning of kidneys, thyroid glands and gallbladders, as well as indicating the presence or spread of certain cancers. Nuclear medicine can also be used to treat cases of hyperthyroidism.

Radiology Information Systems

Radiology Information Systems (RIS-PACS)

Ground Floor, Acute Care Wing, KEMH

8am to 5pm Monday to Friday

Tel: (441) 239-1144

 

Radiology Information Systems (RIS-PACS) is responsible for storing and retrieving all of the data obtained by the various diagnostic imaging tests. Test-to-report time is speeded by transmitting digital images to radiologists in Australia, who can provide overnight diagnoses that are forwarded to a transcription service in Canada and returned to KEMH the following day.

Physicians may request that images from their patients’ tests be copied to a disk or emailed anywhere in the world. Only CT scans and MRIs can be placed on film.

Ultrasound

 Outpatient Ultrasound

Ground Floor, General Wing, KEMH

8am to 5pm Monday to Friday

Tel: (441) 239-1223

 

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to image parts of the body for diagnostic and interventional procedures. Its use has become routine in imaging the fetus during pregnancy. It has also proved useful in imaging breast tumours that are not clearly visible using mammography.