Patient Information
As the only specialized ENT laboratory in the U.S., Sentry Laboratories provides your doctor with the most accurate results to enhance your care.
The Importance of an ENT Screening Exam:
ENTs routinely screen all of their patients by performing a careful examination of the Head and Neck. During the exam, your ENT may notice a white or red area in your mouth or throat, an ulcer or a small bump. Most of the time, these common spots are entirely harmless and cause no problems. Many people have them. Sometimes, even though these common spots do not look particularly abnormal to your ENT, they may contain abnormal cells. And if not treated, these cells, although not dangerous now, could potentially turn into cancer. That's why your ENT will take a sample of the area and send it for analysis to Sentry Laboratories, the only ENT specialty laboratory in the U.S., to make sure it's not dangerous. The sample is easily obtained by your ENT as an office procedure.
Who is at Risk:
Although all adults are routinely screened by ENTs, those who use tobacco and alcohol, and chronic acid reflux (heartburn) sufferers are at increased risk. Recent studies show that there has been an increase in cases in women, young people under 40, and non-smokers. Sometimes, Head and Neck cancers even develop in those with no risk factors. That's why it's important to see your ENT who will look for common white or red areas, even if you have no symptoms such as pain or a sore that does not heal. And if Sentry Laboratories identifies abnormal cells, your ENT will treat it, potentially preventing cancer from ever developing.
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Why Sentry Laboratories:
Sentry Laboratories is the only dedicated ENT specialty laboratory, and as such, we specialize in the early detection and prevention of Head and Neck cancers and precancers. Our expert pathologists utilize advanced technology that we have developed to assist them in analyzing your specimen. This ensures that you and your ENT receive the most accurate diagnosis.
What to expect with Sentry Clarity testing
1
Your doctor will obtain
a sample of tissue in
the office to be sure it does not become a problem. This procedure usually results in little or no pain or bleeding.
2
Your sample will be submitted to Sentry Laboratories, the only dedicated ENT specialty laboratory in the U.S.
It will undergo specialized computer-assisted analysis by expert ENT pathologists.
3
Results will be sent to your doctor. The majority of results are "negative", ruling out any precancerous or cancerous changes. Abnormal cells that are identified can usually be treated by your doctor long before they become a problem.
Insurance Coverage:
Sentry Laboratories is an “in-network” provider with Medicare. If Sentry is considered to be an “out-of- network” provider by your insurance plan, you may receive an EOB (Explanation of Benefits) from your insurance plan that indicates that you owe a payment to the laboratory.
You can disregard the EOB, since, with the exception of standard Medicare co-pays and deductibles, Sentry will accept the in-network payment received from your insurance company as payment in full, and you will have no financial responsibility for any balance.
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If you have any questions, please contact Sentry Laboratories directly at 1-800-385-1793.