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The most comprehensive plans. Each individual's program is unique. It is designed to be as comprehensive as necessary, yet at the same time to be convenient and affordable.

Tests Performed

Your program will be unique. Tests are selected based up age, gender, family history, known medical conditions, and personal concerns. These factors also influence the choice of surveillance frequency. Commonly administered tests are as follows:

General Tests

History and Exam – history and physical examination provide the basis for subsequent testing activities. At David Drew, these activities are performed during a two-hour session.

Standard Blood Tests – standard blood tests include a complete blood count, measurement of mineral and electrolytes and assessment of liver function and kidney function.

Vision and Hearing – vision and hearing evaluations test acuity and screen for associated diseases.

Cardiovascular

Standard Cholesterol Profile – standard risk evaluation includes measurement of cholesterol and its sub-fractions, including HDL (good cholesterol) and LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides.

Advanced Risk Analysis – advanced risk assessment includes measurement of other risks. Homocysteine excess conveys a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. It can be reduced if necessary. Other lipid fractions such as lipoprotein (a), lipoproteins A and B, and dense LDL are measured when necessary.

Electrocardiogram – the electrocardiogram reveals electrical activity patterns of the heart. It can identify rhythm disturbances and past heart attacks, but is of minimal use as a predictive tool.

Coronary CT Scan – Coronary CT (Heart Scan) is a powerful new technique that quantitates plaque build-up in coronary arteries. It is useful in identifying those at high risk and in following coronary disease over time, including response to therapy.

Treadmill Imaging Test – Stress and Echocardiography or Thallium Imaging are a substantial improvement over traditional treadmill tests. They permit imaging of the function of the heart, in addition to electrical activity, at rest and during exercise. They are sensitive indicators of significant coronary disease.

Stress Counseling – Stress counseling is performed by a certified counselor whose role is to identify the extent and causes of stress, and to teach behavioral techniques to modify response to stress situations.

Nutrition Counseling – Nutritional evaluation begins with an assessment of current diet. If medical condition warrants, a registered dietician can recommend nutritional adjustments, supplements, etc, to lower risk.

Carotid Artery Imaging – Carotid Imaging is used to identify plaque in neck arteries, the source of most strokes. Flow analysis is used to quantitate the degree of vessel obstruction.

Aortic Aneurysm Scan – Aorta Imaging using ultrasound can identify aneurysms, or expansions of this large artery that may be at risk for catastrophic rupture.

Cancer Screening

Mammogram and Pap – Mammography and pap smear are common cancer screening tests for women. At David Drew, mammograms are evaluated by two radiologists. Pap smear utilizes conventional cytology and the new thin-prep technology, yielding results from two laboratories for greater assurance.

Chest X-ray – Chest radiography is useful in detecting diseases of the lung and heart.

Chest CT Scan – Chest CT utilizes a new, low-radiation protocol that provides superior surveillance for lung cancer and for diseases of other chest organs.

Body Organ Imaging – Body imaging is an effective means of cancer detection in organs that are not readily seen or felt. Using ultrasound or MRI, abdominal and pelvic organs and brain are structurally evaluated.

Cancer Markers – Blood cancer markers are cancer products found in blood that indicate its presence before it can be visualized. We use a variety of indicators for cancer of pancreas, gallbladder, liver, stomach, bowel, prostate, ovary, uterus, lung, testis, bone marrow and blood cells.

Colonoscopy – Colonoscopy is the most effective screening tool for colon cancer. Performed under sedation, it visualizes the entire colon and permits the removal of polyps. If normal, it need be repeated only every five years. We recommend that screening begin at age 45.

Infection and Immunity

HIV – HIV testing is a blood procedure used to detect individuals infected with the HIV virus

Hepatitis Virus Status – Hepatitis B and C, in addition to causing liver inflammation, can exist silently within the body, only later to produce liver injury, liver cancer, or other illnesses. Individuals found to carry the hepatitis B or C virus undergo intensive periodic screening in these areas.

Viral Immunity – Viral immunity is measured to ensure that protection against the common childhood illnesses has been established and maintained. Diseases such as measles, mumps, and chicken pox can be serious illnesses in adults. Those lacking immunity can be vaccinated.

Comprehensive Vaccines – Vaccinations against infectious agents such as tetanus, pneumoccal pneumonia, hepatitis A and B, and other agents are provided as desired, based upon risk.

Hormones

Thyroid Function – Thyroid Gland Function is assessed by blood testing. Thyroid over – or under – activity can lead to problems with weight control anxiety, body temperature control and bowel function.

Prediabetes Detection – Prediabetes, identified using a very sensitive blood marker, helps to identify those with a propensity for diabetes several years before the diseases emerges. Additionally, body composition imaging identifies individuals with a predisposition to diabetes, based upon fat patterning.

Bone Density Measurement – Bone Density is an important determinant of fracture risk. Osteoporosis, or very low bone density, occurs in men and women and can be identified using an imaging procedure.

Inherited Diseases

Hemochromatosis – Hemochromatosis is an iron overload afflicting about 1 in 200 individuals. Progressive accumulation of iron in the liver, heart, pancreas, and other organs can lead to liver failure, diabetes, and congestive heart failure. This disorder, once detected by blood testing, is treatable.

Hypercoagulation – Hypercoagulability due to inherited and aquired defects in blood coagulation’s system can lead to clots within blood vessels. Premature heart attack and stroke, as well as vein clots, can result. A set of sophisticated tests is used to identify coagulation defects.

Susceptibility to Cancer – Inherited Cancer predisposition can often be identified from a careful family history. For some cancers, genetic defects have been discovered that when present greatly increase the likelihood of cancer. After discussion, such measurements may be made, if desired.

Susceptibility to Dementia – Predisposition to Alzheimer’s Disease may be inherited. Apoliprotein–e typing can help to assess the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s dementia in one’s lifetime.

Cardiac Caffeine Sensitivity – Coronary Artery Caffeine Sensitivity is a commonly inherited genetic trait. Individuals have greater risk of heart attack with increasing daily caffeine consumption. Affected individuals are counseled to reduce risk.