Story Posted: 2012-03-16

SPHF Launches Fundraising Initiative for Digital Electron Microscope

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Just recently, the International Diabetes Federation announced that by 2030 approximately 10% of our population will have diabetes, a known leading cause of kidney disease. Kidney failure has increased by 57% over the last 10 years in Canada (based on data from the Canadian Institute for Health). St. Paul’s Hospital continues to see increases in dialysis patients year after year, providing almost 32,000 treatments annually.

The digital transmission electron microscope is the standard for kidney care in Canada and around the world.
Every patient requiring a kidney biopsy must undergo tissue evaluation by an EM. Why? The Transmission Electron Microscope allows for analysis at an extraordinary microscopic scale. Identifying the distinguishing deposits resulting from kidney disease, along with their specific location enables diagnosis and staging to determine the appropriate treatment.

The EM is required to accurately diagnose many kidney, cardiac and neurological illnesses. If a medical facility does not have access to an EM, tissue samples must be sent to an accredited facility – adding to time, costs, worry and possibly delaying required treatment.

Currently, physicians in Saskatchewan have access to EM technology at the U of S College of Medicine. However, this EM is almost 30 years old and reaching the end of its lifespan. Film technology is far behind digital advancements and replacement parts are no longer manufactured. Results from the film electron microscope require 2 months wait time, while a new digital EM would be able to provide results in just one week.

When we consider national and international population health trends along with the high rates of diabetes provincially, we recognize that the demand for EM scans in our own community will continue to rise. EM technology is an essential tool for physicians and their patients whose lives rely on accurate diagnosis and time-sensitive treatment decisions made. Access to this equipment ensures that our skilled technologists, pathologists and clinicians will continue to provide this accepted standard of care here in Saskatchewan where their knowledge and expertise will continue to serve the growing population of our province.

For these many reasons, St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation has launched the Seeing is Believing fundraising initiative to raise funds for the first and only digital transmission EM in Saskatchewan. It will be housed at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon, recognized province-wide for its facility and skilled professionals in treating kidney disease, performing dialysis and offering transplant services. The cost to purchase the EM and supporting technology, plus renovate the physical space, is $1.4 million.

Please help bring this valuable equipment home to advance diagnoses for kidney, cardiac and neurological illnesses.  Donate through our online donation page designating your gift for the Electron microscope or call the Foundation office at 655-5821 or Toll-free 1-888-345-0330.



 

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