River Oaks Imaging and Diagnostic Center is the leading outpatient provider of imaging services in the greater Houston area. Your health, diagnosis and treatment are paramount to us. Throughout your examination, our goal is to provide a comfortable, yet professional atmosphere. Committed to providing the highest quality services, we offer the latest technology to ensure our team of board-certified radiologists produces accurate and timely information to assist your physician with properly identifying and treating your condition.

WHAT IS NUCLEAR MEDICINE?

Nuclear medicine is the term used to describe imaging that measures the physiologic response of the body to diseases by monitoring the organ, bone, or other tissues' function. The patient is injected with a radioactive tracer which accumulates in the area of concern and images are obtained at that time.

WHAT ARE SOME COMMON PROCEDURES PERFORMED

Bone Scans: used to evaluate bone cancer, arthritis, fractures, inflammation, and infections.
Renal Scans: used to examine the kidneys to determine if there is abnormal function.
Gallium Scans: used to diagnose infection, abscess, or inflammatory disease.
Brain Scans: used to evaluate brain disorders such as Alzheimer's Disease and blood flow.
Thyroid Scans: used to evaluate thyroid function.
Breast Scans: used to detect breast cancer.

NUCLEAR MEDICINE PREPARATIONS

If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant or are breast-feeding, please inform your physician and our staff before your exam.
Take all of your usual medications with water, but inquire about taking sedation or pain medication prior to your exam.
Do not consume food or beverages except water 6-8 hours before the procedure.
A locker will be available to store your personal items; however, we recommend that you leave all valuables at home.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING THE EXAM?

The procedure requires a few basic steps, although some aspects may vary during your test.

You will be injected with a radioactive tracer. Depending on the exam your physician has ordered, you may be placed in the scanner immediately or you may be asked to return to the facility later for the images to be taken.
A Nuclear Medicine technologist will assist you with your positioning on the padded exam table.
Lie as still as possible; motion can cause blurred images.
The Nuclear Medicine technologist will be in constant communication with you during the exam.
For your comfort, blankets and/or pillows will be provided upon request.

Our goal is to provide you with a pleasant and comfortable PET experience.

HOW LONG WILL THE EXAM TAKE?

Exam times will vary depending on the exam ordered by your physician. You will be given instruction prior to the exam.

NUCLEAR MEDICINE RESULTS

Our highly skilled licensed technologists will produce images for a radiologist or nuclear medicine physician to evaluate and will produce a report, which then is forwarded to your physician.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATES

Our technical staff is trained extensively in this highly specialized area and they are registered in Nuclear Medicine Technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology. All radiologists are board certified.

FURTHER QUESTIONS

Should you have any questions about your ability to participate in a Nuclear Medicine procedure, or if you wish to know more about Nuclear Medicine, consult your physician or contact a member of our staff and we will be happy to assist you.

River Oaks Imaging & Diagnostic is geographically accessible with multiple locations. All facilities offer convenient, extended hours. Please call our scheduling department at (713) 512-6040 to determine which facility will best serve you. We look forward to a partnership with you and your physician, which will promote your health.