Physicians usually use CT scans for highly targeted purposes, like examining a previously detected tumor in a particular part of the body. Doctors are investigating CT "screening"---scanning to find an unknown problem, but only for very narrow uses and high-risk groups, like checking smokers' lungs for signs of lung cancer. The studies are still underway even for these narrow applications.

False alarms


Critics also worry that whole-body scans may increase the possibility of "false positives" ---frightening false alarms that may prompt more expensive tests, even surgery that could risk complications.

What would be nice, says AAPM's Gould, is a scientific study that could track how many false positives full-body scans actually produce. Such studies could resolve questions about how many false alarms the tests may generate.

High cost

Another concern is cost. Not covered by insurance, the scans require an out-of-pocket expense of typically between $500-1200, depending upon how much of the body is scanned.

Insurance costs

Whole-body scans may also pump up needless medical expenses for the health-care industry, says AAPM's Boone. Even though the patient pays for the whole-body scan, he says, the doctor may ask the patient's insurance company to pay for additional tests when a suspicious area is found - even though the overwhelming majority of these will be subsequently shown to be of no concern.

Approving such procedures costs money for the insurance company, which may have to pass the cost onto consumers as higher premiums, Boone says.

"There's a whole rippling-down effect in medical costs," agrees AAPM president Gould.

Thumbs down for now

Since there is no scientific study which has demonstrated the efficacy of whole-body screening scans at this time, these experts suggest that individuals wait until credible data becomes available or consult with their physician before making the decision to have a screening CT scan.

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