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- FAQs
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What can EBT scanning detect?
Electron Beam Tomography, or EBT scanning, is the
best technology, to date, for the early detection of Heart Disease, America's leading cause of death. It is also used to detect Lung Cancer, Colon Cancer, Gall and Kidney Stones.
How does it work?
By taking an electron beam and channeling it precisely, EBT scanning takes images of your organs at a speed, (1/20th of a second) that is much faster than traditional CT Scanners, MRIs
or other imaging machines can match. Because your organs,
blood and fluids are in constant motion, only the fastest possible technology can capture a clear enough image for doctors to
literally see what is happening inside you.
Is there any discomfort?
Not at all. You stay fully clothed and the entire scan takes only
a few minutes. There are no shots, no dyes to drink and no medications to take. It isn't even claustrophobic. You will simply lie back and when asked, hold your breath for a few seconds at a time. In fact, the first question asked by most people after scanning is, "Is that it"?
Electron Beam Tomography, or EBT scanning, is the
best technology, to date, for the early detection of Heart Disease, America's leading cause of death. It is also used to detect Lung Cancer, Colon Cancer, Gall and Kidney Stones.
How does it work?
By taking an electron beam and channeling it precisely, EBT scanning takes images of your organs at a speed, (1/20th of a second) that is much faster than traditional CT Scanners, MRIs
or other imaging machines can match. Because your organs,
blood and fluids are in constant motion, only the fastest possible technology can capture a clear enough image for doctors to
literally see what is happening inside you.
Is there any discomfort?
Not at all. You stay fully clothed and the entire scan takes only
a few minutes. There are no shots, no dyes to drink and no medications to take. It isn't even claustrophobic. You will simply lie back and when asked, hold your breath for a few seconds at a time. In fact, the first question asked by most people after scanning is, "Is that it"?
Who should have a scan?
All men over 40 and women over 45 years of age should
have a heart scan just as they should undergo colon exams or mammograms. You become a candidate for scanning even earlier if you have two or more of the following risk factors: family history of Heart Disease, family history of cancers, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, family history of diabetes, a history of tobacco usage or prolonged exposure to second hand smoke.
What if I don't want to know if something is wrong?
Actually you do. Heart Disease and certain cancers are extremely treatable. In fact, when detected early enough, most patients can be treated with medications and lifestyle changes. One of the goals behind EBT scanning is to detect problems early so that we can avoid drastic surgeries down the road.
I feel fine, why should I be scanned?
Each year, more than 100,000 seemingly healthy Americans learn they have Heart Disease by suffering a fatal coronary. They had no other warning at all. Many of these individuals would still be with us had they known they had plaque or calcium deposits within
their arteries. In the case of lung cancer, once diagnosed, the previous mortality rates were sometimes 80% or higher. Again, with the early diagnosis available through EBT technology, that number can be significantly reduced.
All men over 40 and women over 45 years of age should
have a heart scan just as they should undergo colon exams or mammograms. You become a candidate for scanning even earlier if you have two or more of the following risk factors: family history of Heart Disease, family history of cancers, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, family history of diabetes, a history of tobacco usage or prolonged exposure to second hand smoke.
What if I don't want to know if something is wrong?
Actually you do. Heart Disease and certain cancers are extremely treatable. In fact, when detected early enough, most patients can be treated with medications and lifestyle changes. One of the goals behind EBT scanning is to detect problems early so that we can avoid drastic surgeries down the road.
I feel fine, why should I be scanned?
Each year, more than 100,000 seemingly healthy Americans learn they have Heart Disease by suffering a fatal coronary. They had no other warning at all. Many of these individuals would still be with us had they known they had plaque or calcium deposits within
their arteries. In the case of lung cancer, once diagnosed, the previous mortality rates were sometimes 80% or higher. Again, with the early diagnosis available through EBT technology, that number can be significantly reduced.
I just had a stress test. Do I still need to be scanned?
The down side to traditional stress tests and other diagnostic procedures designed to detect Heart Disease is that they only pick up the illness once you are experiencing 50-75% arterial blockage. That almost always leads to surgery. The purpose of EBT scanning is to catch the disease early enough to avoid angioplasty and other surgeries.
Is EBT safe?
Yes. There are thousands of papers from leading researchers outlining the accuracy and safety of EBT scanning. Since this is
an imaging device, you are exposed to some radiation, but it is much less than you receive from traditional CT scans, PET
scans or MRIs. Most experts equate the radiation received from EBT scanning to that which you receive during a commercial
airline flight.
How long before I see my results?
Right away. As soon as your scan is complete, a technician will
sit down with you and show you on a monitor if you have any significant calcium build up within the arteries of your heart. You will then receive a Calcium Score that pinpoints how much Calcium you have and dictates whether or not you should consult a physician regarding your score.
Do I need to be referred by a physician?
Not at all. While many physicians do refer their patients to EBT centers, this is an elective procedure. It is completely up to you
and your experience is confidential. Most scanning patients are self-referred.
The down side to traditional stress tests and other diagnostic procedures designed to detect Heart Disease is that they only pick up the illness once you are experiencing 50-75% arterial blockage. That almost always leads to surgery. The purpose of EBT scanning is to catch the disease early enough to avoid angioplasty and other surgeries.
Is EBT safe?
Yes. There are thousands of papers from leading researchers outlining the accuracy and safety of EBT scanning. Since this is
an imaging device, you are exposed to some radiation, but it is much less than you receive from traditional CT scans, PET
scans or MRIs. Most experts equate the radiation received from EBT scanning to that which you receive during a commercial
airline flight.
How long before I see my results?
Right away. As soon as your scan is complete, a technician will
sit down with you and show you on a monitor if you have any significant calcium build up within the arteries of your heart. You will then receive a Calcium Score that pinpoints how much Calcium you have and dictates whether or not you should consult a physician regarding your score.
Do I need to be referred by a physician?
Not at all. While many physicians do refer their patients to EBT centers, this is an elective procedure. It is completely up to you
and your experience is confidential. Most scanning patients are self-referred.
Is this the same as MRI?
No. MRIs, like X-Rays, are valuable imaging tools when used properly. But they are designed to capture different things all together. While MRI does a much better job of finding and identifying tendon or ligament damage, EBT is the right technology for use in detecting Heart Disease and certain cancers.
Is EBT the same technology
I saw on Oprah or in USA Today?
Yes it is. Many national talk shows, news programs, magazines and publications have reported on the life saving experiences and convenience others have had with EBT scanning.
Where else can I find GE Electron
Beam Tomography (EBT) scanning?
The popularity growth of this technology is truly remarkable. Leading Hospitals and Medical Centers throughout the country now have EBT scanners including Harvard, Johns Hopkins, The Mayo Clinic, Cooper Clinic, UCLA and Cedars-Sinai. But presently, EBT Heart & Body Imaging is the only site in the Greater Detroit Metropolitan Area with this technology.
No. MRIs, like X-Rays, are valuable imaging tools when used properly. But they are designed to capture different things all together. While MRI does a much better job of finding and identifying tendon or ligament damage, EBT is the right technology for use in detecting Heart Disease and certain cancers.
Is EBT the same technology
I saw on Oprah or in USA Today?
Yes it is. Many national talk shows, news programs, magazines and publications have reported on the life saving experiences and convenience others have had with EBT scanning.
Where else can I find GE Electron
Beam Tomography (EBT) scanning?
The popularity growth of this technology is truly remarkable. Leading Hospitals and Medical Centers throughout the country now have EBT scanners including Harvard, Johns Hopkins, The Mayo Clinic, Cooper Clinic, UCLA and Cedars-Sinai. But presently, EBT Heart & Body Imaging is the only site in the Greater Detroit Metropolitan Area with this technology.
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