Whole-body computed tomography as a screening test
Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement
Record ID 32004000012
English
Authors' objectives:
This review aims to assess the available evidence on whole-body computed tomography as a screening test.
Authors' recommendations:
With regard to the use of whole-body CT as a screening test, the ICSI Technology Assessment Committee finds:
- Whole-body CT should not be considered as a screening tool at this time. Whole-body CT screening is not specific enough or tailored appropriately to detect coronary artery calcification, lung cancer, or colon polyps or masses.
- The CT screening procedure is safe except for the risk of radiation exposure and minor side effects that have been reported. There are potentially hazardous risks associated with false positive and false negative findings and associated follow-up procedures.
- No evidence exists to evaluate the effectiveness of whole-body CT as a screening test for patients with no symptoms or a family history suggesting disease (Conclusion Grade: Grade Not Assignable). There is concern that this procedure may lead to the discovery of numerous findings that will not ultimately affect a patient's health, but will result in increased patient anxiety, unnecessary follow-up examinations and treatments, and wasted expense.
Authors' methods:
Review
Details
Project Status:
Completed
URL for project:
http://www.icsi.org/index.asp
Year Published:
2003
English language abstract:
An English language summary is available
Publication Type:
Not Assigned
Country:
United States
MeSH Terms
- Mass Screening
- Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Contact
Organisation Name:
Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement
Contact Address:
8009 34th Avenue South, Suite 1200, Bloomington, MN, USA. Tel: +1 952 814 7060; Fax: +1 952 858 9675
Contact Name:
icsi.info@icsi.org
Contact Email:
icsi.info@icsi.org
Copyright:
Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI)
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.