Spirometry Test for Asthma & COPD

In partnership with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, we can help you test how well your lungs are functioning by performing a spirometry test.
Spirometry test is done to diagnose the issues and is the first step in asthma treatment. It also helps diagnose chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other conditions that affect breathing. You can also do periodic testing just to monitor your lung condition and check whether a treatment for a chronic lung condition is helping you breathe better.
To book a spirometry you need a doctor’s referral. Make an appointment to see any of our physicians to get a referral for spirometry at Northgate Medical Center.

What to expect
The spirometry test is done by our onsite Senior Spirometry Educator from Saskatchewan Health Authority, North Regina Primary Health Care Network.
You would likely be seated and asked to breathe into a small tube attached to a machine called spirometer. The amount of air you breathe in and out and the speed of your breath will be recorded.
You will take deep breathes, in and out, as hard as you can for several seconds into the tube.
The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
The doctor administering the spirometry test may give you an inhaled medication to open your lungs after the first round of the test. In this case, you will have to wait 15 minutes and then do another set of measurements. The results of the two measurements will be compared to see whether the inhaled medication improved your airflow.
How to prepare
After you receive a requisition or referral for a spirometry, you will be provided instructions on how to prepare for the test. These include:

– If you already use inhaler, refrain from using it for 12 hours prior to testing
– Do not smoke within one hour of testing
– Do not consume alcohol within 4 hours of testing
– Do not perform rigorous exercise within 30 minutes of testing
– Do not eat a large meal within 2 hours of testing
– Do not wear clothes that restrict full chest and abdominal expansion

Risks
Spirometry testing is usually a safe test. You may feel short of breath or dizzy for a moment after you perform the test. Spirometry test is not recommended if you have recently had a recent heart attack or some other heart condition.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An electrocardiogram, also called 12-lead EKG or 12-lead ECG is performed to help diagnose many common heart problems in people of all ages. We perform ECG 5 days a week, Monday to Friday, from 8am – 5pm. Our ECG is interpreted by board certified cardiologist.
ECG can be used to detect the following:

– Abnormal Heart rhythm that happened only during the test which may come and go. For this reason a physician may ask you to take a different type of heart rhythm monitoring to help diagnose the cause of your symptoms.
– To check if blocked or narrowed arteries in your heart are causing chest pain or a heart attack
– To diagnose if there are structural problems with your heart’s chambers
– If you have had a previous heart attack, knowing or unknowing to you
– To check how well certain ongoing heart disease treatments, for example a pacemaker, are working

The test is painless and non-invasive. You will need a requisition or referral from a family physician to do an ECG test.

How it works
Each heart beat is elicited by an electrical impulse that is normally produced from special cells in the upper right chamber of your heart – pacemaker cells. An ECG or EKG is used to record the timing and strength of these signals as they travel through your heart.
During an ECG, electrodes also known as sensor, are attached to the chest and limbs to detect the electrical activity of your heart. This procedure is PAINLESS. You will be expected to lie down on a bed and relax while the ECG is performed. The test usually take 5 – 10 minutes, including preparation. After the ECG is done, when the electrodes placed on your body are been removed, you may have minor discomfort similar to removing a bandage.
ECG result will be provided to you immediately after the ECG exam. This is to ensure patient safety in case there are finding that require urgent attention.
Risks
An ECG test is a safe procedure. There is no risk of getting an electrical shock during the test.
How to prepare
There are no special preparations necessary for a standard ECG. However, it is advisable to tell your doctor about any medications and/or supplements you may be taking, because some medications can affect the results of your test.

X-ray

An X-ray is a quick, painless test that produces images to examine many parts of the body.
Our onsite X-ray examination is performed and interpreted by experienced and professional X-ray Technicians. In partnership with the Radiology Associates of Regina (RAR), they are responsible for the reporting. Our X-ray department is open 6 days a week, Monday till Friday from 8am – 7pm and on Saturdays from 9am till 5pm. It may take 1 – 2 days to get your X-ray results, which will be explained to you by your physician or the referring physician. However, if there are findings that require immediate attention or in an emergency, our X-ray Technicians can have your results available to the referring physician or a physician onsite in minutes.

Types of X-ray:

Chest Xray
Chest X-ray is used to examine lung infections or conditions such as evidence of pneumonia, tuberculosis or lung cancer. Signs of heart failure or changes in blood flow to the lungs and heart can show up on chest X-rays.

Bones and Teeth
X-ray can reveal signs of arthritis, fractures and infections and bone tumor.

Abdomen
Digestive tract problems can be revealed by X-ray, including if someone, especially a child, swallows something like a coin an, x-ray can show the location of the object.

What to expect
Our X-ray technicians are well-trained and gentle with all patients. They will positions your body to get the necessary views for examination. It is important that you stay completely still, even sometimes holding your breath to avoid moving, to prevent blurry images.
Depending on the type of X-ray, the procedure may take from a few minutes to more than an hour for more complex procedures.

Risks
Generally, radiation exposure from an X-ray is low, and the benefits from an X-ray examine far outweigh the risks.

Nevertheless, if you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, tell your doctor before undergoing an X-ray. If your doctor has any concerns they may consider another kind of imaging test like ultrasound.

Minor Surgery

We have a well-equipped medical clinic where minor surgery can be performed.
We also provide Liquid Nitrogen Treatments (Cryotherapy) at Northgate Medical Center. This treatment uses the extremely cold cryogenic liquids to destroy cells in a controlled manner and is used for minor surgeries such as the removal of warts, skin tags and verrucae. Below is a list of some of the minor surgeries we perform.
These include:

– Laceration repair
– Suture and staple removal
– Wart removal with cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen
– Mole excision
– Ingrown toenail removal via vandebos and modified vandebos approaches

Ear syringing for wax removal

This procedure involves using a pressurized flow of water to confiscate the build-up of ear wax.
A controlled flow of water will be squirted into your ear canal to clean out the ear wax. While syringing your ear, the physician performing the procedure may hold your ear at different angles to make certain the water reaches all of your ear canal.

Ear syringing is a painless procedure. However, you may feel some discomfort as water is squirted around your ear canal.

If you feel any pain, dizziness or vertigo, tell your physician immediately as this may be the result of an ear infection and may require further investigation.

IUD Insertion and Removal

IUDs (intrauterine devices) are effective, convenient and long acting compared to other methods of contraceptives. An IUD can be removed at any time by a physician, and fertility will return very quickly after removal.
IUD Insertion
The IUD is inserted inside your uterus. The doctor will put some freezing into your cervix, measure the size of your uterus and insert the IUD. You may experience a pinching feeling and/or a sharp cramping pain for a few minutes. Some patients take some Advil before their IUD insertion appointment to help with the pain. You may or may not feel dizziness, sweating and/or nausea after the insertion. It is possible to experience some bleeding as well. You may be asked to rest for about 10 minutes after the IUD insertion to make sure that you are feeling OK to leave.
IUD Follow Up
IUDs have soft strings that hang through the cervix. These strings are used by a health care provider to remove the IUD. Periodically, it may be wise to check if you are able to feel the strings of the IUD by putting your finger inside to the top of your vagina. If you are cannot feel the string, the string feels shorter or longer than the last time you checked, or if you feel any hard plastic, then it is recommended to get your IUD checked by a doctor.
During the first 6 weeks, you may want to check the strings more often, because there is a small chance of the IUD coming out. It is also suggested to have the IUD checked by a health care provider every year or whenever you feel that something has changed.
Risks
Besides the very small chance of pregnancy or IUD expulsion, there is small chance that the IUD may be piercing into the wall of the uterus (perforation). This usually heals after about two weeks with no long-term side effects. Occasionally, it may require a minor procedure to remove the IUD.
Rarely infection may occur in the first three weeks following insertion. If you experience fever or chills, a smelly discharge from your vagina, or unusual lower abdominal pain, contact a doctor or call the clinic to make a follow up appointment.
In addition, you may have irregular spotting at first for up to 3-6 months. You may also experience lighter (less bleeding and cramping) menstruation. Frequently, periods may completely stop, and this is considered safe. A few users will feel hormonal side effects such as headache, moodiness, breast tenderness, bloating and acne.
If you have questions or concerns about the IUD, you can contact us by booking an appointment to see any of our experienced physicians.

Free Primary Health Care Counselling

There is a counselor in partnership with the Saskatchewan Health Authority and offers free Primary Health Care Counseling. All you need is a referral from your physician to access this service.

Private Primary Health Care Counselling

There is a counselor who can be consulted, this service requires out of pocket payment or may be covered by your insurance company.

Chronic Disease Management

Our doctors offer Chronic Disease Management funded by the Saskatchewan Health Authority. These counselors are highly trained individuals.

Vaccinations

Types of vaccination we offer include:
– Tetanus and Diphtheria vaccine
– Flu Vaccine
– Pneumococcal vaccine
– Do not perform rigorous exercise within 30 minutes of testing
– Do not eat a large meal within 2 hours of testing
– Do not wear clothes that restrict full chest and abdominal expansion

Risks
Spirometry testing is usually a safe test. You may feel short of breath or dizzy for a moment after you perform the test. Spirometry test is not recommended if you have recently had a recent heart attack or some other heart condition.