LIFESCAN IMAGING CENTER OPENS IN DETROIT AREA.

A new imaging center featuring state-of-the-art equipment and board-certified radiologists has opened in the Detroit suburb of Warren. LifeScan Imaging of Michigan, 11012 Thirteen Mile Rd., Warren, will offer heart, lung and full-body computed tomography (CT) scans.

For the first three months, LifeScan Imaging will offer its full-body scans for only $425, the lowest price in the Midwest, and possibly the nation. The introductory offer will be good through November 25, 2003.

"A full-body scan is fast, painless and non-invasive," said Dr. Peter M. Nefcy, one of two board-certified radiologists on LifeScan's staff. "It's our goal to make them affordable to everyone."

LifeScan's GE LightSpeed system uses computed tomography with new multi- slice technology to take a "virtual tour" of the body from the shoulders to the pelvis. The CT scan captures multiple cross-sectional images of body tissue per second to create highly detailed three-dimensional images of major organs and other body structures.

Scans can detect cancer, heart disease and other problems that routine physical exams may miss. Full-body scans are the ultimate preventative tool -- catching medical problems early, when they're most treatable. The scanner is a large, square machine with a hole in its center. There are no long, enclosed tubes, thus no claustrophobia.

Scan results are interpreted by a board-certified radiologist and shared with patients. The information can be forwarded to a patient's primary care physician (with permission) along with recommendations that could include further testing, lifestyle changes, medications or follow-up treatment.

"A CT scan is an elective procedure and a very personal decision," said Dr. Nefcy. "Many people are seeking peace of mind, especially if they have a family history of disease or medical problems. Healthy individuals want a benchmark scan for future reference."

The rule of thumb is that men age 40 and women age 45 should have a scan every three to five years. A scan to target a specific body area is appropriate for people with particular family histories.

"CT scans should not replace a complete physical examination, but rather augment it," said Dr. Richard M. Chesbrough, LifeScan's other board-certified radiologist. "For example, scans will not measure blood pressure, cholesterol and abnormal heart rhythm. However, they will measure calcified coronary plaque or tumors that could otherwise go unnoticed."

For more information, call 888/549-5580 or 517/69-1866 or visit http://www.lifescanofmichigan.com.