Consent for Total-Body Scan using Electron-Beam CT
Consent for Total-Body Scan using Electron-Beam CT
A body scan at Colorado Heart and Body Imaging involves three separate procedures: 1) the electron-beam coronary artery scan (heartscan); 2) an electron-beam, high-resolution, low-dose CT scan of the chest (lungscan); and 3) a screening electron-beam CT scan of the abdomen. A pulmonary function test (spirometry) will usually be included.
The coronary scan or heartscan is recommended for middle-aged individuals for the very early detection of coronary disease. Please sign the coronary consent form.
The chest scan is especially recommended for smokers (older than 45 who have been smoking at least 10 years) or for those heavily exposed to lung carcinogens (passive smokers, asbestos, etc.). Most tiny nodules detected by this method will be benign and will often require follow-up scanning at least every six months for two years. Larger nodules need follow-up by a physician. Colorado Heart Imaging requires that the patient identify a physician who is willing to follow up in case of positive findings. Please sign the consent form for chest (lung) scan.
Screening electron-beam CT of the abdomen is being offered at various centers nationwide as a response to consumer interest in diagnosing unexpected abdominal lesions including some cancers before symptoms. In our opinion, it is a practice that should not be encouraged for widespread use, but is available to qualified individuals who understand its limitations. Colorado Heart Imaging requires that the patient identify a physician who is willing to follow up in case of positive findings.
The body scan procedure is designed as a screen to look for some abnormalities of the liver, spleen, kidneys, gallbladder, pancreas, aorta, and abdominal lymph nodes. Cysts, stones, tumors, congenital abnormalities, and calcified vascular plaque are among the lesions detected. The procedure does not involve contrast-dye injection; therefore, many abnormalities will not be detected. Very small tumors, cysts, and stones will not be detected. In addition, a patient consenting for the procedure understands that there may be a higher-than-usual likelihood for "false-positives" than in most diagnostic procedures in medicine. In other words, there may be the reporting of lesions of no significance or radiologic findings which are not, in fact, present. On occasion, a patient will be advised to follow up such an abdominal scan with a contrast CT scan or other procedures that may be recommended by a physician. It is also understood that radiology is not a perfect science and it is quite possible for a radiologist to miss a significant lesion or abnormality by this method. I also understand that a body scan is not adequate and not recommended to detect metastasis or to follow up the progress of someone with a history of cancer. Such patients should only have a body scan if they are interested in a possible opportunity to find some problems which are unrelated to their cancer diagnosis.
I understand the above information, consent to the procedure, and agree to supply Colorado Heart Imaging with the name of a physician we may contact.
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Signature Date
Source: Reprinted with permission from Colorado Heart and Body Imaging, Denver.
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