Addressing The Issues:
Peripheral Vascular Screening Examinations And The ICAVL
from
the April 2005 issue
Over
recent years, the rise in peripheral vascular and other health
screening programs and companies has brought forth much concern
and debate within the medical community. The growing presence
of both "community service" screening programs (often
offered through medical facilities) as well as "fee for
service" screening entities continues to raise questions
regarding the effectiveness and appropriateness of such testing.
Following the recent publication of the U.S. Preventive Services
Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations on screening for abdominal
aortic aneurysm 1,2 and the increasing public awareness
of health screening examinations, the ICAVL Board of Directors
deemed that, in accordance with the mission of the ICAVL, it
was essential to address this important issue.
An
ICAVL committee comprised of Board members and ICAVL staff was
formed to broach the various aspects of this topic and develop
a plan of action to be implemented by the ICAVL. After significant
deliberation and collaboration, the committee presented its
plan of action to the entire ICAVL Board of Directors at the
February 2005 Board meeting. The final decisions made by the
Board include the release of the ICAVL
Position Statement On Screening, included on page 2 of this
newsletter and available on the ICAVL
website. This statement provides an overview of what the
ICAVL has determined to be the critical elements of screening
examinations.
It
was also determined that there would be benefits to compiling
standards for extracranial cerebrovascular, peripheral arterial,
and abdominal aortic aneurysm screening examinations. There
was strong agreement among the Board members that two distinct
and separate accreditation programs would be developed from
screening performed by ICAVL accredited laboratories and those
provided by "for profit" screening companies.
For
ICAVL accredited laboratories, the screening accreditation will
be available as an additional testing section within the existing
application, with separate standards for screening. Laboratories
must be accredited in the testing areas for which screening
will be provided and use of the ICAVL logo will be permitted
for use in conjunction with all screening events and screening
tests performed.
In
an attempt to promote standardization among the various screening
companies performing exams throughout the country, yet maintain
the integrity of ICAVL accreditation, it was determined that
a new division of the ICAVL would be developed. This division
will offer an accreditation process to those organizations that
provide only screening examinations. Screening facilities
will adhere to standards that are just as rigorous and thorough
as those maintained by ICAVL accredited laboratories; however,
the new division will provide a separate accreditation title
and logo.
The
goal of the ICAVL is to promote quality patient care. It is
anticipated that by developing standards for this potentially
misrepresented and non-standardized area of testing, a more
consistent and improved product will be offered to the target
population of screening events. It is projected that both screening
accreditation programs will be available to applicant laboratories
prior to or within the first quarter of 2006.
REFERENCES
1.
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for Abdominal
Aortic Aneurysm Recommendation Statement. Ann Intern Med
2005; 142:198-202 (Available on the USPFTF website at www.preventiveservices.ahrq.gov).
2.
Fleming C, Whitlock EP, Beil T, Lederle F. Screening for abdominal
aortic aneurysm: a best-evidence systematic review for the US.
Preventive Services Task Force. Ann Intern Med 2005;
142:203-11.
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