We understand that recent BBC segments have created potential confusion and concern about the quality of our screenings. Life Line Screening stands firmly behind our accuracy. Our clinical protocols and accuracy have been reviewed by doctors and hospitals, and are consistent with best practice clinical standards.
It should be made clear that, contrary to the BBC news report; there is no investigation or probe into Life Line Screening by any governing body related to our accuracy or clinical acumen. We are the only screening company to open our arms to the BBC and to appear on national television. We did this because we are confident in our services and people. Our confidence is based on our significant experience in screening people in the US (more than 6 million people screened over 15 years) and in the UK, where more than 100,000 people have been screened in over a year.
Our Ultrasound Technicians
Our ultrasound personnel come from a variety of backgrounds, but all have a high level of training in their field. All have radiography degrees and we do not offer employment unless each has formal training in ultrasound sonography including hospital experience. The average experience of our ultrasound technicians is over 7 years, with all having at least 3 years of experience, with some having as many as 20+ years. They adhere to carefully designed protocols overseen by a Clinical Manager who is accredited by the Society for Vascular Technology and a member of that organisation.
Our Equipment
Our equipment is state–of-the-art and is provided by GE Medical, a leader in advanced ultrasound equipment. This powerful equipment provides high resolution imaging for enhanced accuracy while also being highly portable, which allows us to go to customers in locations that are convenient for them.
Our Findings
Our screenings are designed to provide early detection for people with previously undiagnosed diseases in an appropriate customer population (generally people over 50 with risk factors for stroke and other preventable diseases). In approximately 1 out every 14 people, we find sufficient presence of disease that warrants follow up by a physician that otherwise might have gone undetected as most had no apparent symptoms.
Our Screenings and Discrepancies in Interpretation
Of the more than 100,000 people screened in the UK, we are currently aware of one instance when a discrepancy was brought to our attention by a doctor (meaning that our readings were different than the doctors’ interpretation). This compares favourably with any hospital vascular lab. Any other reports of discrepancies are thus far unsubstantiated other than verbal reports made in the media. We have a clear process for dealing with concerns and have never heard of these individual cases prior to the airing on national television. We stand behind our screenings.
Organisational Partnership
We have reached out to the Society for Vascular Technologists and the Vascular Society, as well as other appropriate bodies. We have invited members to visit our screening sites, provided materials to them for review freely, and have offered to do side-by-side quality assurance studies.
Our Customers
Following the BBC stories, we received many calls and e-mails, as did the BBC, supporting the need for early detection provided by companies like Life Line Screening and validating the quality and necessity of our screenings. Here are just a couple of comments from supportive customers.
“Thank you for sending me the results of the screening tests. I should also like to say that the whole screening process was a very pleasant experience, carried out quietly and efficiently and with understanding and with no extra waiting about. I think the whole thing is an excellent idea and would like to thank all concerned.” Yours sincerely, Shirley Leidman-Eyre
“At my appointment I found out that I had a considerable narrowing of the inner right carotid artery. I was not able to speak to my GP that day but did see a private GP. I was immediately referred to a vascular surgeon. His ultrasound technician confirmed the diagnosis. I had a procedure that successfully removed the blockage. I do not know what the outcome might have been had I not had the screening offered by you, but I can only guess given the urgency that the professionals displayed in managing the situation that I was at considerable risk of having a major stroke or worse. I am of course now a firm advocate for screening.” Thank you again. Roger Hacker
“I attended a Life Line Screening and am glad I did. The conditions highlighted in the screening results are now being managed by my G.P. I am grateful to Life Line Screening and would like to say a special thank you to the team of professionals who carried out the screening. They were first class in every detail in patient care and attitude and putting the patient at ease.”
Yours with grateful thanks, E. Teehan
