At Mayfair Diagnostics we have a commitment to innovation and patient care, and offer a variety of treatments for joint pain and osteoarthritis. This includes nSTRIDE autologous protein solution (APS), which has been approved by Health Canada and the FDA for treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA).
Nearly five million Canadians, or one in six, are affected by osteoarthritis – a disease of the whole joint that leads to the breakdown of joint cartilage and other tissues. It’s the most common form of arthritis and affects more Canadians than all other forms of arthritis combined.
In normal joints, cartilage – the tough elastic material that covers and protects the ends of bones – acts as a cushion and provides a smooth, gliding surface for joint motion. OA causes the cartilage to breakdown, leading to pain, swelling, and problems moving the joint. As it worsens over time, the cartilage wears away and other tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, and bone, also degenerate, contributing to symptoms such as reduced joint motion or instability and increased pain.
OA usually progresses slowly over months or years and early symptoms tend to come and go. As damage accumulates, symptoms can become more constant, occurring at rest and disturbing sleep. There is currently no cure for OA, but symptoms can improve with treatment, such as APS.
The treatment involves a single injection of a protein liquid derived from your own blood. It’s drawn from an arm vein prior to the injection and centrifuged to remove unwanted blood components and then spun again to obtain the protein liquid. APS has proven to be a safe and effective treatment, which has been shown to reduce pain and protect cartilage by reducing further destruction. As a result, there is a decrease in pain and an improvement in joint function, often within a few weeks of the injection. In clinical studies, patients reported little or no pain in 85% of cases after the procedure and about 70% symptom improvement even 24 months after the treatment.
This treatment has been evaluated most extensively in the knee and is most effective in treatment of mild to moderate OA. As APS promotes healing by recruiting the body’s own repair system, the process can take a few weeks. Most patients begin to notice improvement after 1-2 weeks and should see continued improvement gradually over many months.
Osteoarthritis is a chronic (long-term) disease and, although there is no cure, research suggests earlier treatment and management may slow the disease. Earlier treatment will reduce your symptoms and make it possible for you to lead a full and active life. It’s important to thoroughly discuss all your options with your health care practitioner.
Pain management procedures must be requested by a health care practitioner. We usually request that you have had an X-ray at least six months prior to this procedure. Sometimes an ultrasound is also requested prior to this procedure to look for effusion, cysts, or bodies in the joint, and to assess the soft tissue envelope of the joint.
Once the cause has been identified and treatment options reviewed, an APS procedure may be recommended by us or requested by your practitioner. You will be given a requisition. Once we have received the requisition, we will review it and contact you to confirm the area and type of injection requested, and to book the appointment.
Please note that APS can’t be performed on patients with inflammatory arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis). You will also need to avoid anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen, etc.) for two weeks before and two weeks after your injection.
Usually, a single APS treatment is advised. There is a cost of $1,150, which may be covered by a health spending account or group medical insurance plan. You will need to check with your plan administrator for coverage details.
During this treatment, we will take a small volume of blood from your arm to prepare the injection. The blood sample is placed in a centrifuge and then prepared in a sterile manner. You can rest in a waiting room during this process, which takes 10-20 minutes.
When we are ready to begin, a technologist will bring you into the treatment room and position you on the table. A radiologist will evaluate the area, clean the skin, and inject a local anesthetic. Once frozen, using image guidance, the radiologist will inject the APS preparation into the affected joint using a sterile needle.
This process allows the solution to be injected into a localized and specific area of concern while keeping potential side effects to a minimum. You will be assessed post-injection by our team and, if there are no concerns, you will be free to leave.
After the treatment, you will be advised:
Studies suggest symptoms will be improved for up to 24 months or longer. The goal is to promote your body to decrease inflammation in the joints and protect cartilage from further thinning. If an injection does not help relieve your symptoms after three months, then you may need further evaluation.
A common side effect of the procedure is mild but temporary pain or aching of the joint that gradually subsides within 24-48 hours. There may also be mild bruising at the site of injection or blood draw. Over-the-counter pain medications (not anti-inflammatory) or using heat on the area can help.
Most patients find the pain tolerable. Mayfair’s expert team has extensive experience in performing these procedures and do our very best to make them as quick and painless as possible.
Arthritis Foundation (2021) “Osteoarthritis.” www.arthritis.org. Accessed January 10, 2021.
Arthritis Society Canada (2021) “Osteoarthritis.” www.arthritis.ca. Accessed January 10, 2021.
Healthwise Staff (2021) “Osteoarthritis.” www.MyHealth.Alberta.ca. Accessed January 10, 2021.
Kon, E., et al. (2018) “Clinical Outcomes of Knee Osteoarthritis Treated With an Autologous Protein Solution Injection: A 1-Year Pilot Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.” American Journal of Sports Medicine. Jan; 46(1):171-180.
Radiologists are specialized physicians who interpret diagnostic imaging to diagnose and monitor a wide range of medical conditions. At Mayfair Diagnostics, they review X-ray, ultrasound, CT, and MRI studies, among others, analyzinsg images in detail and providing comprehensive reports and clinical recommendations to referring physicians. They collaborate closely with technologists and clinic teams to guide imaging protocols, ensure quality and radiation safety standards, and may perform image-guided procedures such as biopsies or injections. Through their expertise and teamwork, radiologists play a key role in accurate diagnosis, effective treatment planning, and improved patient outcomes.
Administrative professionals support the organization across human resources, marketing, operations, strategic partnerships, finance, information technology, and infrastructure. From recruiting staff to promoting services and improving workflows, they help ensure smooth operations and positive experiences for employees and patients. Through collaboration with clinical and support teams, they provide essential coordination that enables efficient, high-quality service.
Diagnostic Imaging Assistant (DIA) support clinic operations and help ensure a positive patient experience. They assist staff by greeting and preparing patients, confirming information, coordinating appointments, and guiding patients through their visit. DIAs also maintain exam rooms, manage documentation, and ensure supplies and equipment are ready. Through strong customer service, attention to detail, and teamwork, they help create a safe and organized environment.
Patient Experience Coordinators (PECs) are the first point of contact, scheduling exams and ensuring accurate patient information. They communicate clearly with patients, coordinate with care teams, and support a smooth, confidential, and customer-focused experience.
Nuclear Medical Technologists perform diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures involving sensitive and highly personal patient circumstances. They are responsible for delivering the highest standard of care in a professional, compassionate, and patient-centered manner, in accordance with provincial regulatory requirements, CAMRT standards, and Mayfair policies and guidelines.
Computed Tomography (CT) Technologists operate CT imaging equipment to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the body that assist in diagnosing a wide range of medical conditions. They prepare and position patients for scans, ensure safety protocols are followed, and administer contrast agents when required. CT technologists work closely with radiologists to ensure high-quality diagnostic images are obtained, while providing clear communication and compassionate care to support patient comfort throughout the procedure.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologists operates MRI scanners to produce detailed images of internal body structures used to assist in medical diagnosis and treatment planning. They are responsible for preparing and positioning patients, ensuring all safety protocols are strictly followed due to the strong magnetic field, and obtaining high-quality images as directed by radiologists. MRI technologists combine technical expertise with patient care, providing clear communication and support to ensure a safe, comfortable, and efficient imaging experience.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers perform ultrasound exams to help diagnose and monitor medical conditions. Following Sonography Canada standards and Mayfair Diagnostics protocols, they capture accurate images while ensuring patient safety, comfort, and confidentiality. They work with radiologists and clinical teams to review requisitions, prepare patients, perform scans, and document findings, contributing to accurate diagnoses and a positive patient experience.
Medical Radiation Technologists (MRTs) perform x-ray, mammography, and BMD exams while ensuring patient safety, accuracy, and compassionate care. They also may assist in pain therapy procedures. MRTs verify patient information, explain procedures, position patients, and produce high-quality images. MRTs follow professional standards and protocols, maintaining strict radiation safety, quality assurance, and patient privacy while supporting a positive patient experience.
We foster a supportive and collaborative culture designed to encourage positive patient experiences and build strong working relationships across the organization:
Our core values shape the way we work with patients, partners, and fellow employees. And, more than anything else, they’re what set Mayfair apart. In everything we do, this is what we strive for:
EXCELLENCE
We share a commitment to high quality and excellence in all that we do. This commitment calls on all of us to achieve the very best of our capabilities and exceed our own expectations.
CURIOSITY
We innovate in everything, from services to processes. We believe meaningful change and effective problem solving come only by looking at challenges and opportunities from new angles and by exercising our creativity and curiosity.
PASSION
We show pride, enthusiasm, and dedication in everything that we do. We are committed to producing and delivering high-quality results and services. We are passionate about our industry and about our company, services, partners, and patients.
COLLABORATION
Our team is supportive of each other’s efforts; we are loyal to one another; and we care for one another both personally and professionally. We promote and support a diverse, yet unified, team. We work together to meet our common goals across Mayfair clinics, locations, and geographies. Only through collaboration on ideas, technologies, and talents can we achieve our mission and vision.
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Join Mayfair Diagnostics, recognized as one of Western Canada’s premier medical imaging organizations. With a century-long legacy and headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Mayfair Diagnostics is dedicated to assisting patients in achieving clarity regarding their health.
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We envision a world where every person has clarity about their health. We innovate and welcome change, promoting leadership and creativity through safe risk-taking. We share best practices, earn peer recognition for our work, and engage top talent to reach our goals.
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