March 19, 2003

Center for Breast Health Adds New 10-Second Spine Scan

Identifies Women Missed By Traditional Bone Density Tests

Davenport, IA - The Center for Breast Health at Genesis Medical Center has expanded its women's health services and osteoporosis assessment capabilities with the installation of a new bone densitometer featuring Instant Vertebral Assessment - or IVA. IVA is a rapid, 10-second, low dose x-ray scan of the spine, taken in combination with a standard bone density test. With IVA, doctors can see existing vertebral fractures, a condition that is far more common than one might imagine. Up to one quarter of women over age 50 have at least one vertebral fracture - the majority of which produce no symptoms, such as pain.

"This is the first unit of its kind in the Quad City area," says Judy McFarlin, director of Genesis Regional Cancer Center. "Prior to IVA, a patient suspected of having a vertebral fracture would be referred for a conventional spine x-ray. This often required a separate office visit, exposure to a higher dose of radiation; and additional time for processing and reviewing the x-ray film. With IVA, the spine scan is performed in conjunction with a bone density test, during the same appointment, at 1/100th of the radiation dose, and the results are immediately available for doctor's review."

IVA testing is fast and painless. It requires no injections or invasive procedures. During a test, a woman lies fully clothed on a padded table while the machine scans one or more areas of the body. The entire tests consist of a bone density test and a 10-second scan. And even though the machine emits x-rays, the radiation dose during the test is less than the radiation exposure during a coast-to-coast airline flight.

"All women over age 50 or past menopause should talk to their doctors about their risk of developing vertebral fractures," says McFarlin. "The risk is much higher than most women realize. Statistics released by the National Osteoporosis Foundation are quite grim. One out of very four women past menopause has at least one vertebral fracture and one in tow will fracture in their lifetime. New treatments have been shown to actually reverse the bone-loss process. IVA can help by providing patients and their doctors with a more thorough assessment of bone health... quickly and conveniently."

Testing is available through the Center for Breast Health by appointment with a physician's referral. For further information, call 563-421-7625 or 800-215-1444.