How Does CARD CARD Use Imaging? There are different imaging techniques that the Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD) uses to screen for and monitor asbestos related disease. The two most common are chest x-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans. For all in-person visits, CARD providers review these images with the patient so they can see what the provider is describing. Chest x-rays and CT scans can be pulled up on a computer monitor in the office using a digital system that links us to Cabinet Peaks Medical Center and Logan Health. For images uploaded from outside facilities, CARD has an additional system in place to view these films electronically. Chest x-rays are the simplest form of imaging used by CARD. We order a single, front-to-back chest x-ray because this has long been the standard nationally for asbestos related disease (ARD) screening. 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 qualify for a free annual Lung Cancer Screening CT scan. A CT scan takes visual slices through the chest, similar to the way a loaf of bread is cut. It virtually converts the slice images 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. However, for its purposes, CARD uses a CT without contrast. If, after initial screening with a chest x-ray, 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. Following the 2004 American Thoracic Society (ATS) criteria, CARD now uses CT scans for making a diagnosis of asbestos related disease. Those with a significant smoking history who meet additional age criteria and have already been diagnosed with ARD are eligible for a special low-dose CT of the chest annually at no charge. 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 a 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. CARD Center for Asbestos Related Disease Call 293-9274 or stop by 214 E. 3rd St to pick up a screening application. Testing available locally or from a distance. Screening provided through CDC grant # 5NU61TS000295. Ongoing care not covered. SCREENING // HEALTHCARE // EDUCATION // RESEARCH // OUTREACH 186240 How Does CARD CARD Use Imaging ? There are different imaging techniques that the Center for Asbestos Related Disease ( CARD ) uses to screen for and monitor asbestos related disease . The two most common are chest x - rays and computed tomography ( CT ) scans . For all in - person visits , CARD providers review these images with the patient so they can see what the provider is describing . Chest x - rays and CT scans can be pulled up on a computer monitor in the office using a digital system that links us to Cabinet Peaks Medical Center and Logan Health . For images uploaded from outside facilities , CARD has an additional system in place to view these films electronically . Chest x - rays are the simplest form of imaging used by CARD . We order a single , front - to - back chest x - ray because this has long been the standard nationally for asbestos related disease ( ARD ) screening . 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 qualify for a free annual Lung Cancer Screening CT scan . A CT scan takes visual slices through the chest , similar to the way a loaf of bread is cut . It virtually converts the slice images 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 . However , for its purposes , CARD uses a CT without contrast . If , after initial screening with a chest x - ray , 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 . Following the 2004 American Thoracic Society ( ATS ) criteria , CARD now uses CT scans for making a diagnosis of asbestos related disease . Those with a significant smoking history who meet additional age criteria and have already been diagnosed with ARD are eligible for a special low - dose CT of the chest annually at no charge . 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 a 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 . CARD Center for Asbestos Related Disease Call 293-9274 or stop by 214 E. 3rd St to pick up a screening application . Testing available locally or from a distance . Screening provided through CDC grant # 5NU61TS000295 . Ongoing care not covered . SCREENING // HEALTHCARE // EDUCATION // RESEARCH // OUTREACH 186240