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Electron Beam Tomography (EBT): The Full Body Scan

EBT Full Body Scanning is a term popularized on television and on a variety of health programs and discussion forums. So described it is now accepted by both medical professionals and the general public. A growing demand for these screenings has been generated, nationally. In actuality, the term "full body" has been applied to a scan of the body's vital organs through Electron Beam Tomography (EBT). The body area included extends only from the shoulders to the top of the thighs.

Under the scanning process the patient, fully clothed, lies on an examining table. Once relaxed and reclining, an ultra high-speed electron beam traverses the body area in mere seconds. Exposure to radiation is minimal and produces 3-dimensional images for professional evaluation. The exceptionally detailed graphics may be viewed on site from every possible angle by the radiologist or specialist present. Images may also be stored as computer files or transmitted.

EBT is now one of the major screening devices for the detection of coronary artery disease. Ten times faster than more traditional CT scans, EBT has been approved by the FDA and is considered ideal for detection of calcification in coronary arteries. In effect, the screening allows physicians to act promptly and initiate preventive techniques that might not ordinarily be considered in early stages of illnesses.

FDA has also certified the full body scans for early lung cancer detection. Many forms of tumors, intestinal irregularities, and disorders of the liver and kidney's may also be revealed at significantly early phases of development.

Head scans are not usually done by Electron Beam Tomography. More traditional CT equipment is employed in evaluating cranial problems, including brain tumors, intracranial hemorrhage and ischemic disease. CT scan or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI's) may address other infections and eye, ear, nose and throat problems.

The MRI scan is most frequently used to image heart damage, coronary vessels, the brain and carotid arteries. Radiation is not a factor in MRI scans and it is very widely employed in routine scanning situations.