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Frequently Asked Questions About Body Scans.

Medical body scans are preventive examinations applied over decades that have evolved with advancements in x-ray equipment. As the technology has grown more and more innovations have been incorporated into scanning the body, it's vital organs and the cranium.

Now, ties to computer science have extended horizons for scans into broader areas of "screening" for prevention. Computed Axial Tomography, CAT and CT scans are now complimented by Electron Beam Tomography, EBT and are bench marks for professional care the world over.

Uses for scanning equipment have reached unimagined levels of application and are embraced by an ever-growing number of medical specialties that extend coverage from head to toe in the human body. Body scans for both prevention and treatment have become established procedures and the future goal is widest possible application of these skills.

There are some frequently asked questions concerning scans and the technology employed. Here are just a few:

What are the major scanning methods?
Scanning methods include a wide range of techniques. The methods to be employed most often determined by the physician in consultation with the patient and the on-site radiologist. Methods may include Computed Axial Tomography, CAT and CT as well as Electron Beam Tomography. Other methods include Magnetic Resonance Imaging, MRI; Positron Emission Tomography, PET; and Spiral CT scans.

What is the difference between scans and screens?
Scanning is the term applied to all techniques employed in state-of-the-art radiological examination and to imaging methods for examination of the human body, internally. The term "screening" is most often used to express preventive measures taken by scanning and to examine areas of the body before specific symptoms are presented.

Who should consider scans and screens?
Many of those who wish to engage in aggressive prevention measures and take a proactive role in detecting possible diseases are scheduling scans. With the personal physician and the annual physical always in mind, many individuals elect 3-D body scans as part of a preventive regimen. In so doing, they feel they are "getting the jump" on potential illnesses and making possible early treatment without invasive procedures.

What does the patient do to prepare?
As in all matters involving personal health one should first confer with the family physician or professional knowledgeable in radiology and the scanning specialties. Then specific methods of scan are determined and fully explained in detail. The tests are painless, non-invasive and some simply impose limitations on solid food intake before the exam. Scans of intestinal organs sometimes require more detailed preparations and will be fully outlined by the specialist in advance of the procedure.

Is the scanning a complex process?
Many scans are performed with the patient fully clothed and are completed from start to finish within an hour that includes taking of the patient history. Comfort and lack of stress for the patient are critical in obtaining desired results. Time for the specific scan varies but usually takes only a few minutes as the patient reclines on the examining couch. For example, the full body EBT scan is completed in only 10 minutes, the electron beam phase, only about 15 seconds.

Is radiation exposure a problem in these exams?
The objective of scans and screens is to provide clear, 3-D images of the patient's body and to do so with maximum safety and comfort. The efficiency of these testing methods is judged by the non-intrusive, detailed and rapid results obtained. A major benefit is the negligible amount of radiation involved and sometimes compared to a dental x-ray or a pleasant stroll on a sunny afternoon.

What diseases are most often discovered in screening?
Screening as prevention often reveals early stages of the Three D's: deformity, deterioration, or disease. This allows the radiologist or examining specialist to initiate prompt treatment with maximum options. Diseases that may be encountered at early stages include cardiac disease or damage; abnormality in the lungs; various tumors and cysts; carotid artery occlusion; diseases of the spine and osteoporosis. There are, of course, many more that may be revealed and make counter-measures possible. Cranial scans are not usually done as routine exams.

What happens to the results of the scan?
Arrangements will no doubt be made in advance of scanning and, generally, the physician or patient determining when and where the review will be held. Results will be available for evaluation with a board-certified radiologist at the scanning. And, a written report, with graphics, will be prepared. Results of scans may be transmitted to any designated professional immediately following the examination or stored on site.

What happens during the scanning session?
Several factors determine the scanning process including type of equipment used. Most machines employ an examining couch with the patient positioned for the scan and made comfortable for the short process. With the CT, or CAT scan, patient and table pass through an opening in the unit as the scanner rotates around the patient and images are assembled into a 3-D computer graphic. EBT scans also involve positioning on a comfortable table. The patient remains stationary and an electron beam is focused on the patient. The scanner captures images from a tungsten target below the patient. All scanning procedures are performed as rapidly as possible and exposure to radiation is minimal.

How can I schedule a screening for myself?
For full details on scanning and screening a comprehensive directory is maintained and constantly updated. It includes listing of services and their locations with the particular types of screening available and the most up-to-date equipment fully described as to capabilities. Interested persons are encouraged to telephone or contact us by e-mail and our radiologists and certified technicians will answer any questions you may have.