Management Scans

This service is often performed in conjunction with other treatments, led by a Record Proctor. Regular management scans help inform agents about the efficacy of treatment, as well as any potential augmentation or germination progress between Branches. Blight Specialists, AV Specialists, and even Branch Recovery Specialists may request management scans before and after treatment sessions.

These scans are called a VGMS (Vitiumglomerorum Management Scan) and produce a low-resolution black and white image of the Vice core, similar to an ultrasound. Cores typically appear as a semi-solid white mass, with denser cores appearing more opaque. As the Vice matures, it begins creating its network, typically in early adolescence. A Vice network can also be seen on a VGMS, which can be used to track germination progress. The network appears as a mycelial-like web of tracks, which are typically fainter than the core they extend from. Young tracks may not even appear at all.

As a Vice matures, their core becomes more dense from an increase in stored resources and energy. Similarly, older cores tend to sport a thick, outer epithelium that shields them from attacks. This increased density and thickened epithelium can result in cores that appear almost solid white on a VGMS.

VGMS Process

A VGMS is administered by gliding a transducer—similar to those used in ultrasounds—across the patient’s skin, often over a thin layer of gel that helps provide a clearer image. The transducer will produce a low-resolution black and white image of the Vice core for the Record Proctor to examine. A VG Meter may also be used to aid in the assessment.

In total, a VGMS typically lasts no longer than 10 minutes, averaging around roughly 3 minutes. The Record Proctor will log their observations, inform the patient of the core’s status, then send them back to their Vice Management Administrator to discuss treatment changes. If applicable, a Record Proctor may also include treatment suggestions based on the imaging to be reviewed by the Vice Management Administrator. Alternative classification suggestions may also be provided in the Vice’s early stages.

--omicron Vices

In the event of an --omicron Vice, a VGMS may have difficulty providing a comprehensive view of the core’s status, as these Vices are able to camouflage both their network and their core. En lieu of a VGMS, a Record Proctor can use a VG Meter to roughly triangulate the core’s location by monitoring the VG levels. Patients with an --omicron Vice may need to have regular visits with a Record Proctor to closely monitor the Vice’s activity.