We offer a one-stop centre for your Canadian Visa Medical, where your medical, chest x ray and blood tests can all be carried out in our conveniently located central Glasgow centre.

We aim to provide an efficient, well-organised, friendly and prompt service. To make an appointment for your medical or to ask any questions please email Dee at dee@brydenmedical.com or call on 0141 226 2530,

The panel doctor consultation, blood tests and the chest x ray may all be carried out in our clinic, Bryden Medical Limited, Merchants House, 7 West George Street, Glasgow G2 1BA, right in the centre of Glasgow.

Please bring with you

Any forms Canadian Immigration have sent you (in particular your IME number if you have one). If you are an upfront medical for example in a student, temporary worker, visitor or family class, you will just need your original passport.

  • Your passsport
  • Glasses or contact lenses
  • Immunisation Record
  • Specialist/GP letters if you have a significant health issue.

The Medical Examination

This is a straight forward medical examination which includes:

  • A chaperone, if required (this will be offered to you but please also ask if you would like one).
  • A translator, if required. If you don’t speak English fluently, please let us know when you book, so that a suitable translator can be arranged for the appointment.
  • Height, weight, distance vision, blood pressure measurements and urine testing.
  • A medical history followed by a general medical examination (you will need to undress down to your underwear for the doctor’s examination, but a gown and sheet/ blanket will be offered).

Some people may require other tests depending on their medical history or age, for example the ADL (activities of daily living) or a Mini-mental health assessment.

As part of the medical there are three standard blood tests for adults, HIV, Syphilis and creatinine.

Our centre is easy to find just across the road from Queen Street Station, Glasgow and a few minutes walk from Buchanan Bus Station, Central Station and the Underground. It is on the airport Glasgow 500 bus and many local bus routes, it is near the M8 motorway and there is car parking both directly outside and in nearby car parks such as Buchanan Galleries Carpark.

Some information about the infections tested for by Canada

HIV and AIDS: HIV is the Human Immunodeficiency Virus which attacks a person’s immune system. There is no cure or vaccine for HIV, but there are medicines available which help people with HIV to keep well and live healthier lives. If untreated HIV can damage the immune system over time leaving it unable to fight off infections, this can lead to AIDS. AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome which describes a combination of potentially life-threatening infections and cancers, which can develop when someone’s immune system has been damaged by HIV.

HIV treatment works by reducing the amount of HIV in someone’s blood to let their immune system work properly. If a person responds well and adheres to their treatment they may greatly reduce the chances of passing the virus on to their partners. Treatment is constantly improving and currently involves between 1 and 4 tablets a day. Find out more by visiting NAM website. Having an HIV test is the only way to know if you have HIV.? Many people do not know they are living with HIV until they become ill from prolonged damage to their immune system.? The sooner someone is diagnosed with HIV the sooner they can start on treatment which will keep them well.

HIV is found in blood, genital fluids semen, vaginal fluid and breast milk. To become infected with HIV these infected body fluids must pass into a person’s bloodstream. In the UK HIV is most commonly passed from person to person by having anal or vaginal sex without a condom, by sharing needles or injecting equipment or from mother to child during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding. HIV can affect both men and women of all ages, ethnicities and religions. It is most commonly transmitted through anal and vaginal sex without a condom. (http://www2.sandyford.org/hiv/hiv-the-basics ).

TB:Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection, caused by a germ mostly found in the lungs but which can affect any part of the body. If TB is not treated it can become very serious. TB can be cured .Only TB of the lungs or throat may be infectious to other people. The people most likely to catch TB are those who have spent a lot of time with a person who has TB. Exposure to TB germs happens when the germs are coughed into the air and breathed in by another person. Generally the TB germ does not survive outside the body. TB cannot be spread by sharing the same cups, cutlery, bed linen or other household items. TB sometimes causes no immediate problems but remains inactive in the body for months or even years. Illness can therefore develop some time after the original infection, particularly if the body is weakened by other medical problems or poor diet. Symptoms may be a cough that lasts for more than three weeks, blood may be present in the sputum ( phlegm), a high temperature, sweating at night,loss of weight / lack of appetite, lack of energy / extreme tiredness or chest tightness or pain. (http://library.nhsgg.org.uk/mediaAssets/PHPU )

Syphilis: Syphilis is a sexual infection caused by an organism called Treponema pallidum. A century ago syphilis was a very serious illness causing the deaths of many people, but today it is fully treatable once discovered. Syphilis commonly causes no symptoms. Syphilis is passed on by any sexual contact, including oral sex. It can also be passed from an infected mother to her unborn child, and from exposure to infected blood. Some people are unaware that they have been infected and have no symptoms. They can transmit the infection to others unknowingly for up to 2 years after infection ( http://www2.sandyford.org/media