Manitoba’s healthcare system relies heavily on quick and accurate diagnostic testing, and that’s exactly what Shared Health Diagnostic Services (formerly Diagnostic Services Manitoba/DSM) delivers. Operating from more than 80 locations across Manitoba, from Boundary Trails Health Centre in the south to Thompson General Hospital in the north, the centre has become the backbone for medical testing and imaging. With a team of nearly 3,000 dedicated professionals, they handle everything from routine blood work to complex genetic testing.
What makes them truly special is their reach – they serve everyone from downtown Winnipeg residents to folks in the most remote northern communities. Each year, they perform millions of tests that help doctors make critical decisions about patient care.
Digital Tools in Manitoba: From Diagnostic Imaging to Online Casinos
Shared Health uses advanced digital tools to make sure patients get fast and accurate test results, even in far-off parts of Manitoba. Similar technology is used in online casinos to create smooth and fair gaming experiences. Both areas depend on new technology to improve access and build trust, whether it’s for healthcare diagnostics or online gambling platforms.
Just like Shared Health changed Manitoba’s healthcare system with these tools, DSM’s move to Shared Health opened the door to even better services. Let’s look at how it all started and how these changes improved healthcare in Manitoba.
History of DSM Manitoba
The story begins in 2002 when Diagnostic Services Manitoba (DSM) first opened its doors. At that time, Manitoba needed a way to standardize and improve diagnostic testing across the province. Starting with 1,700 staff and about 70 facilities, DSM took on the challenge of managing public laboratory services and rural imaging.
What’s interesting is how quickly they grew. Within their first few years, they started introducing new technologies and standardized testing procedures that hadn’t been available in many parts of Manitoba before.
Transitioning to Shared Health
The transition to Shared Health marked a major turning point. This change wasn’t just about a new name – it represented a complete shift in how diagnostic services integrate with the rest of Manitoba’s healthcare system. The workforce expanded to over 3,000 people, and they added more specialized services like genetic testing and advanced imaging.
Shared Health Diagnostic Services: What They Offer
Shared Health provides a wide range of laboratory and imaging services critical for diagnosing and treating various conditions.
Laboratory Services
- Clinical biochemistry for monitoring organ function and metabolism
- Microbiology for detecting infections
- Genetic testing for inherited conditions
- Blood disorder analysis
- Cancer detection and monitoring
- Specialized transplant testing
Each lab, including Bethesda Laboratory Services, is equipped with state-of-the-art analyzers that can process hundreds of samples daily. For instance, their main labs can return routine blood test results in just a few hours.
Diagnostic Imaging
- MRI machines that can scan patients in half the time of older models
- CT scanners with reduced radiation exposure
- Digital mammography for clearer breast imaging
- Nuclear medicine for specialized diagnostic needs
Fun fact: their digital imaging network can share patient scans instantly across the province, helping rural patients get expert opinions without travelling to Winnipeg.
Cardiac Testing
- Advanced ECG machines that can detect subtle heart rhythm problems
- Stress testing equipment that monitors heart function during exercise
- Specialized blood tests, such as those measuring troponin levels for heart attack detection, are available within hours
Accessing Diagnostic Care Across Manitoba
Their network is impressive in its scope and reach. Major facilities like Blood Labs Winnipeg handle complex testing, while regional centers like Portage Hospital and Kin Place Health Complex manage routine tests. Every location is connected through a modern information system that ensures test results are available wherever patients need them.
Shared Health has really thought through how to make testing accessible to all Manitobans. Let’s look at where and when you can get tested.
Urban Centers
The major hospitals offer comprehensive services with impressive hours:
- Victoria General Hospital runs tests 24/7
- St. Boniface Hospital handles complex diagnostics
- Health Sciences Centre provides specialized genetic testing
What’s really convenient is that most urban locations offer early morning blood work starting at 7:00 AM, perfect for before-work appointments.
Regional Coverage
They’ve set up an impressive network across Manitoba’s regions:
- Southern Health-Santé Sud has 15 testing locations
- Prairie Mountain Health maintains 26 diagnostic sites
- Northern Health Region operates 7 facilities
- Interlake-Eastern region serves through 12 locations
Each regional site, from Swan River Hospital in the west to Bethesda Laboratory Services in the east, can handle routine testing, with specialized samples sent to main labs through daily courier service.
Commitment to Quality and Safety
Quality isn’t just a buzzword here – it’s backed by solid practices and regular checking. The organization maintains two major types of accreditation: MANQAP for Manitoba standards and CAP for international excellence.
Their quality system includes:
- Daily equipment testing before patient samples are run
- Regular staff competency assessments
- Participation in external quality testing programs
- Continuous monitoring of test accuracy
In real terms, this means your test results are reliable whether you’re in Thompson or Winnipeg.
Innovations Making a Difference
What’s really exciting is how they’re using new technology to improve care. For example, their new MALDI-TOF system can identify bacteria in minutes instead of days, helping doctors start the right treatment sooner.
Recent innovations include:
- Digital pathology systems that allow instant expert consultations
- Automated blood testing systems that reduce errors
- Advanced genetic sequencing for personalized medicine
- Provincial imaging network for faster access to scan results
Working with Healthcare Partners
Shared Health doesn’t work in isolation – they’re deeply connected with other healthcare providers. They work closely with:
- CancerCare Manitoba for rapid cancer diagnostics
- Regional health authorities for coordinated care
- Primary care clinics for routine testing
- Emergency departments for urgent diagnostics
These partnerships mean better care coordination and faster results when they’re needed most.
Shared Health’s Resources for Patients
They’ve made it easy for patients to access information and services. Their website offers:
Online Resources
- Testing location finder with current hours and services
- Step-by-step preparation instructions for different tests
- Online appointment booking for select services
- Results access through your healthcare providers
Important Forms and Documentation
- Manitoba Provincial Breast Imaging Consultation Request: Used by doctors to book mammograms and other breast imaging tests. It includes important sections for clinical history and preferred imaging locations.
- Laboratory Requisition Forms: Standard forms your doctor will provide for blood work and other lab tests.
Medical Guidelines and Standards
- Manitoba Troponin Guidelines: Ensures standardized heart attack testing across all facilities
- Quality Testing Protocols: Outlined in their annual reports, showing consistent accuracy rates above 99%
Patient Support Materials
- Easy-to-read preparation guides for common tests
- Maps and directions to testing facilities
- Lists of required documents for your appointment
- Contact information for each facility
Whether you need a simple blood test or complex diagnostic imaging, Shared Health Diagnostic Services (ex-Diagnostic Services Manitoba) has created a system that works for all Manitobans. Their combination of widespread access, quality standards, and continuous improvement means better healthcare for everyone in the province.
Note: Always talk to your doctor about which medical tests you need. This article is just to help you understand the services available through Shared Health.
Know More About the Province: Fun Facts About Manitoba
- Churchill, Manitoba, is known as the Polar Bear Capital of the World, offering unmatched opportunities to see these majestic creatures.
- Winnie-the-Pooh was inspired by a black bear named Winnie, who got her name from Winnipeg.
- Manitoba has over 100,000 lakes, making it a paradise for fishing, boating, and outdoor getaways.
- The Narcisse Snake Dens in Manitoba host the largest gathering of red-sided garter snakes in the world each spring.
- Churchill is one of the top three locations globally to witness the stunning Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights.
- Winnipeg has been the Slurpee Capital of the World for over 20 years, consuming more slush drinks than any other city.
- Winnipeg experiences Canada’s sunniest winters, making the cold season brighter than anywhere else in the country.
- Winnipeg’s Union Station shares its designers with New York City’s iconic Grand Central Terminal.
- Manitoba is the birthplace of famous figures like Neil Young, Burton Cummings, and Oscar-winning actress Anna Paquin.