 The programme enables doctors to analyse scans more quickly |
Doctors at two private clinics in London are using a state-of-the-art computer programme to spot killer diseases in their very early stages. The programme can pick up signs of heart disease and cancer that could be missed by the human eye.
Spotting these diseases early can dramatically boost a patient's chances of survival.
The technology, which was developed by British company Medicsight, is being used by doctors at Lifesyne clinics.
It is currently available at Lifesyne's Westminster and Ravenscourt Park centres in the capital.
Patients can expect to pay between �295 and �495 for a scan.
Analyses scans
The technology uses 'intelligent' software to analyse CT scans of a patient's body.
Scans that would take a radiologist over an hour to examine can be assessed in seconds.
It can pick up tiny abnormalities of the heart, lungs or colon and alert doctors to any potential problems. Together heart disease, lung cancer and colon cancer account for one in three premature deaths in the UK.
The earlier these diseases can be spotted and treated, the greater the chances patients have of beating them.
Dr Mary Roddie, a consultant radiologist at Charing Cross Hospital in London, has used the technology and described it as "an enormous leap forward".
"This new technology will give us a whole new dimension in visualising the inside of a patient's body.
"We can see structures and small abnormalities that we just couldn't see before and we have the potential to diagnose and treat some diseases where it may not have been previously possible," she said.
Dr John Costello, a consultant physician at King's College Hospital in London and a director of Lifesyne, said the technology could help to save lives.
"Accurate early diagnosis will lead to a better long-term outcome for our patients.
"This software doesn't just identify abnormalities, it is actually helping with the diagnosis. This could save thousands of lives."
Dr Martin Scurr, a private GP in London, said the scans can help doctors to decide what treatments patients need.
"Within 24 hours of the scan, the reports from Lifesyne provide doctors with all the information needed to make informed decisions about patient care to facilitate the best possible long-term outcomes."
Patients who want to undergo a scan need to be referred to one of Lifesyne's clinics by their GP or consultant.
The scan is not available on the NHS so patients will have to pay the cost themselves.
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We can see structures and small abnormalities that we just couldn't see before 
