Body Scan

Total body scan is a painless procedure that visualizes major areas of the body such as the lungs, heart, and abdomen. It also displays other organs in detail including liver, pancreas, etc. It also visualizes minute structures such as blood vessels, arteries, etc. Total Body scan is helpful in detecting early signs of cancer and other anomalies; the main advantage of it is it detects disease with minimal use of radiation. It uses a big machine with moveable examination table that slides in and out of the tunnel were a patient can lay in a supine position depending on a body part that will be analyzed.

The x-ray tube and detectors are located opposite to each other, and rotate around the patient. Before the procedure starts the technician will ask the patient to remove all metallic objects such as jewelries, dentures, etc. as these objects may interfere with the quality of the pictures. Images that are created are processed by a computer.

Advances in scanning technology allow new scanners to obtain multiple images in a single rotation. Multi detector scanners penetrate the body and allow thinner slices to be obtained in a shorter period of time thus less exposure to radiation and resulting in more detail and crisp resolution. Elderly and critically ill person will benefit on this scanner because short exposure is only needed preventing tiresome episodes.

The procedure itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes and the technician will asked you to lie down on a supine/flat position, on a mobile table. Intravenous line is usually placed in patients when contrast material is used in their scans to visualize vessels in more detail. During the procedure, the technician will asked you to hold your breath for a few seconds to prevent any motion during scanning to prevent repeat procedure.

The Scans are interpreted by a licensed radiologist. The results may also be forwarded to the patient's primary care physician for further review.

Total Body Scan is indicated for the following patient:

The following conditions are best viewed using total body scan:

Before the procedure

There is little preparation for a scan so, unless told otherwise, the patient may follow their regular daily routine, diet, and medication administration. When the abdomen or pelvis is scanned, patients may be asked to restrict their food and fluid intake prior to the procedure. If a patient will be sedated for the procedure, it is advisable to have someone else drive at discharge.

If contrast material is used, there is a potential for an allergic reaction which can be resolved immediately by attending personnel. The contrast material can be difficult for the kidneys to eliminate, therefore, patients with kidney disease need to alert the technologist. Body Scan is contraindicated for pregnantwomen.

After the procedure

Patients can leave the facility as soon as they feel comfortable and may resume normal activities immediately.

A radiologist reviews the images and prepares a report on his/her findings for the patient's doctor. This report and the images may be available through an internal network or the Internet which allows the referring doctor and the patient to look at them. A follow-up conversation between patient and doctor will involve treatment plans, medication, and/or surgery, as necessary.