EIS proprietor Richard Jackman attaches forehead electrodes to a patient before scanning. Jackman operates one of 10 such systems in Canada.

Richard Jackman, a 60-year-old lawyer and principal of the Maclaren Centre – a community healing centre in Ottawa – tried an Electronic Interstitial Scan (EIS) system this July.

Attaching two electrodes to his forehead, placing his hands and bare feet onto metal sensor plates, he sat and waited.

Within three minutes, Jackman had his body scanned and received a detailed report of how well his organs function. Jackman could then take this breakdown to his doctor, who would analyze the data and take action against any detected health risks.

Jackman explains EIS technology and gives brief demonstration [runs: 2:12] Requires FlashPlayer

This option may soon become available for an increasing number of Canadians if Health Canada gives approval. 

The EIS body scan system was introduced to Canada in February of this year.
Dr. Albert Mareek, a neuro-physiologist, has been developing the system for a decade. The scanner, manufactured by Florida-based LD Technology, has been used in Europe for several years.  Mareek – originally from France – moved to Florida last year, bringing the technology with him to North America.

Essentially, the EIS is a sensor that analyzes the interstitial fluid in one's body by applying a very small electric current to the body via six surface electrodes: left and right sides of the forehead, both hands and both feet. The direct current passes through the interstitial space in the body and voltage is measured at the six electrodes. The change in voltage between the anode and cathode reflects aspects of the physical and chemical properties of the interstitial fluid space.

The system then gives an overview of the body's reactions. The results of the scan are collected by computer software that produces 3-D models of different parts of the body on screen. The models are color-coded to provide a picture of where potential imbalances and pathologies are occurring, and whether the areas of imbalance are over-functioning or under-functioning. For instance, a problematic liver may flash red on the screen, signaling a potential health risk.

Technology is preventative, not reactive

Guillaume Pinguet is an EIS consultant who has been working with Dr. Mareek for two years.

Pinguet says the EIS system provides an assessment of the organs and flags any potential risk. With the scan results, patients can go to their doctors for interpretation and diagnosis.

Jackman stresses that the technology is not reactive, but preventative. He says its primary purpose is to highlight risks before they develop into health conditions.

Pinguet says the EIS can also help analyze the effectiveness of medication.

As medications affect people differently, patients need to be sure the drugs they are prescribed are working properly, he says.

Gordon Watt, an occupational health doctor at the Ottawa Hospital says he heard about the EIS a week ago, but has not yet studied it.

"It’s certainly an unconventional technology," says Watt. "If that (the function of the EIS system) is correct, it could be revolutionary. But we don’t know whether it works or not...we’ll wait and see."

Watt says conventional body scan technologies such as MRI, CT scan, bone scan, X-ray, ultrasound, and PET scan are all expensive.  

According to Jackman, the EIS system is far cheaper by comparison, retailing for $23,000 per unit. However Jackman stresses that the technology is a new, complementary tool and is not meant to replace these conventional systems.

Jackman says there are about 10 systems currently available in Canada, all of which are in private hands. Private operators can use the technology to provide assessments to clients. However, Health Canada approval is required for the technology's use in the public sector.

Pinguet says an application to Health Canada is in progress. Health Canada will review the device to assess its safety, effectiveness and quality. Carole Saindon, a Health Canada spokesperson, declined to comment because the department currently does not have sufficient information about the EIS.

If the technology is approved, it may soon find its way into doctor's offices, clinics and hospitals across the country.

Widespread in other parts of the world

Currently, there are about 1,000 EIS systems in use by doctors and other health practitioners worldwide.

The system has been used in Europe since 2004 and obtained a European Community Certificate in 2005. Approximately 1,500 medical practitioners in Europe use the device as part of their healthcare practice, according to EIS Research.

Jackman analyzes the 3D software representation of a completed scan.

In April, the EIS system was registered by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Henry Hall, a licensed nutritionist based in Florida with 30 years of holistic health experience, was one of the first two American health care professionals who got one such system in 2006. He has spent two years evaluating the system and has performed more than 2,000 patient scans.  Hall says the EIS system is useful to his practice.

"I think that it will revolutionize healthcare practice in the U.S. as practitioners will finally have a scientifically verified, quick, non-invasive, objective, direct measure of the effect of their treatment program on organ system function," says Hall.

Jackman says a Health Canada decision is expected within a few months. He says he believes the precedent set in the U.S. and Europe indicates the technology will likely be approved in Canada, too.

Related Links Health Canada — Medical Devices — Drugs and Health Products Act LD Technology EIS Research