How Does CARD Use Imaging? There are different imaging techniques that the Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD) uses to both screen for and monitor asbestos related disease. The two most common are the chest x-ray and computed tomography (CT). Each has its use and it is important to understand those. For all in-person visits, CARD providers go over the images with the patient. These can be pulled up in the office using a digital system that links to Cabinet Peaks Medical Center and Logan Health to bring up images taken locally. The chest x-ray is the simplest form of imaging used. CARD orders a single, front to back chest x-ray because this is the standard nationally for asbestos related disease (ARD) screening, often referred to as a B-read. A chest X-ray is comparable to a photograph in that it is two- dimensional. While it does show the lungs, heart, diaphragm, bones, air, and some soft tissues, it lacks depth and detail. Because things may seem to overlap, it is sometimes hard to differentiate where one structure stops and another starts. CARD uses chest x-rays for initial screening and for annual monitoring of those who do not meet the smoking criteria to quality for the free Lung Cancer Screening program. A CT of the chest takes visual slices through the chest, similar to a loaf of bread, and virtually converts them to a three-dimensional view that provides much more detail, allowing structures to be more accurately located and measured. Some specific details, especially regarding the vascular system, can be highlighted with the additional use of a contrast material and this may be useful in some settings, but for its purposes, CARD uses a CT without contrast. If, after initial screening, there is any suspicion of ARD, CARD orders a CT of the chest to get a clearer view of the lungs and other structures inside of the chest. Those with a significant smoking history who meet additional age criteria and have been diagnosed with ARD are eligible for a special low-dose CT of the chest annually. This is usually referred to as a Lung Cancer Screening (LCS). Additionally, those diagnosed with ARD who, on their annual evaluation, are found to have changes in their symptoms, pulmonary function, or chest x-ray may be referred for a chest CT to look for changes related to their disease. A much less common imaging technique is positron emissions tomography (PET) scan, in which a radioactive drug called a tracer is used to evaluate the metabolic activity of different tissues. It is often combined with a CT. This technique is usually used when there is suspicion of cancer or for routine monitoring after a cancer diagnosis. Cancer cells divide rapidly and therefore are more metabolically active. On a PET scan, the more metabolically active an area is, the more reddish it will appear on the scan. If you think you may have been exposed to vermiculite contaminated with Libby Amphibole while in Lincoln County, Montana, please contact CARD at (406) 293-9274 or visit the website at www.libbyasbestos.org. You may be eligible for a free asbestos health screening. Call 293-9274 or stop by 214 E. 3rd St to pick up a screening application. c CARD Center for Asbestos Related Disease SCREENING // HEALTHCARE // EDUCATION // RESEARCH // OUTREACH Testing available locally or from a distance. Screening provided through CDC grant # 5NU61TS000295 Ongoing care not covered. How Does CARD Use Imaging ? There are different imaging techniques that the Center for Asbestos Related Disease ( CARD ) uses to both screen for and monitor asbestos related disease . The two most common are the chest x - ray and computed tomography ( CT ) . Each has its use and it is important to understand those . For all in - person visits , CARD providers go over the images with the patient . These can be pulled up in the office using a digital system that links to Cabinet Peaks Medical Center and Logan Health to bring up images taken locally . The chest x - ray is the simplest form of imaging used . CARD orders a single , front to back chest x - ray because this is the standard nationally for asbestos related disease ( ARD ) screening , often referred to as a B - read . A chest X - ray is comparable to a photograph in that it is two dimensional . While it does show the lungs , heart , diaphragm , bones , air , and some soft tissues , it lacks depth and detail . Because things may seem to overlap , it is sometimes hard to differentiate where one structure stops and another starts . CARD uses chest x - rays for initial screening and for annual monitoring of those who do not meet the smoking criteria to quality for the free Lung Cancer Screening program . A CT of the chest takes visual slices through the chest , similar to a loaf of bread , and virtually converts them to a three - dimensional view that provides much more detail , allowing structures to be more accurately located and measured . Some specific details , especially regarding the vascular system , can be highlighted with the additional use of a contrast material and this may be useful in some settings , but for its purposes , CARD uses a CT without contrast . If , after initial screening , there is any suspicion of ARD , CARD orders a CT of the chest to get a clearer view of the lungs and other structures inside of the chest . Those with a significant smoking history who meet additional age criteria and have been diagnosed with ARD are eligible for a special low - dose CT of the chest annually . This is usually referred to as a Lung Cancer Screening ( LCS ) . Additionally , those diagnosed with ARD who , on their annual evaluation , are found to have changes in their symptoms , pulmonary function , or chest x - ray may be referred for a chest CT to look for changes related to their disease . A much less common imaging technique is positron emissions tomography ( PET ) scan , in which a radioactive drug called a tracer is used to evaluate the metabolic activity of different tissues . It is often combined with a CT . This technique is usually used when there is suspicion of cancer or for routine monitoring after a cancer diagnosis . Cancer cells divide rapidly and therefore are more metabolically active . On a PET scan , the more metabolically active an area is , the more reddish it will appear on the scan . If you think you may have been exposed to vermiculite contaminated with Libby Amphibole while in Lincoln County , Montana , please contact CARD at ( 406 ) 293-9274 or visit the website at www.libbyasbestos.org . You may be eligible for a free asbestos health screening . Call 293-9274 or stop by 214 E. 3rd St to pick up a screening application . c CARD Center for Asbestos Related Disease SCREENING // HEALTHCARE // EDUCATION // RESEARCH // OUTREACH Testing available locally or from a distance . Screening provided through CDC grant # 5NU61TS000295 Ongoing care not covered .