Physicians FAQ’s

As you know, lung cancer is the most deadly cancer in the world, killing more than breast, prostate and colon cancers combined. However, according to statistics from the American Cancer Society, lung cancer survival is better with earlier diagnosis. Our mission at VisionGate is to have a positive impact and save lives using our LuCED&reg lung test to help find lung cancer at an early stage – when treatment options are more effective.

VisionGate’s LuCED lung test is being developed for future availability through our CLIA laboratory to aid physicians in early detection of lung cancer. The LuCED lung test requires a sputum sample that can be collected from spontaneous coughs over a three-day period using a take-home kit that the patient receives from your office.

Patients then ship the LuCED test kits to the VisionGate Biosignature Laboratories (VBL) where samples are processed on our proprietary Cell-CT platform. The Cell-CT platform is the world’s first automated 3D cell imaging platform that computes high-resolution biosignatures from intact cells. The LuCED test classifies the cells as normal or abnormal. Our licensed cytologists then screen the images followed by a review by our pathologist and a sign out of the case as normal or abnormal. Those results are sent to the ordering physician within two to four weeks.

VisionGate was founded by Dr. Alan Nelson, a physicist, bioengineer and entrepreneur who previously developed the world’s first automated screening test to detect cervical cancer, marketed today as the FocalPoint system by Becton Dickinson.

The LuCED lung test is not yet available to the public, but please enter your name and email in the form to the right and we’ll notify you as soon as it is! Or, please call 602.354.8862 to request a presentation on out LuCED test.

Below are some Frequently Asked Questions:

Who is at the highest risk for lung cancer?
The Centers for Medicare/Medicaid Services (CMS) recently ruled that it would cover low-dose CT scans for individuals aged 55-77 who smoke or have smoked at least one pack of cigarettes a day for 30 years.
What is the LuCED® lung test? What will the results mean?
The LuCED® lung test is a non-invasive test to aid physicians in the early detection of lung cancer. The VBL will generate a “normal” or “abnormal” report to you as the physician, which could help determine the next steps in the diagnosis of lung cancer.
Does the LuCED lung test subject patients to radiation?
No, absolutely no radiation is used in the LuCED test. The sputum sample can be collected at home and shipped to the VBL in Phoenix, Arizona.
What is the sputum collection process like for my patients?
The LuCED lung test requires a sputum sample that can be collected over three days using VisionGate’s take-home test kit that the patient receives from your office.
How long will it take to receive patient test results?
Once the patient’s sample arrives at VBL, please allow approximately 2 to 4 weeks for processing.
To whom will the results be reported?
VisionGate will send test results directly to the ordering physician. It is then the physician’s responsibility to discuss these results with the patient and determine next steps.
How do I obtain the test for my patients?
Once the test becomes available, you can call 602.354.8862 or email info@visiongate3d.com to order kits.
Do third-party payers cover the test?
The LuCED lung test is a new innovative test using proprietary technology. While there is a current CPT code for sputum cytology, many insurance companies have not yet established a formal coverage policy for the LuCED lung test. Any costs not covered by insurance will be the responsibility of the patient.
How do I request a presentation on the LuCED® test or ask additional questions not currently available on this website?
Please contact the VisionGate Biosignature Laboratories, open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 602.354.8862.