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 A PET SCAN?

A Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan is a nuclear medicine procedure which measures biological function of the body using a sophisticated scanner. Since PET scans look at biological functions at the cellular function they are capable of detecting disease much earlier than conventional imaging procedures such as MRI, CT and X-ray. This will allow your physician to diagnose your disease earlier.

IS PET FOR EVERYONE?

Typically, PET is used to evaluate cancer, cardiac viability and brain disorders such as Alzheimer's Disease. Your physician will determine which exam is appropriate for you.

PET 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.
If you are diabetic, you will be given special instructions prior to the exam.
If you are claustrophobic and require sedation, please bring a driver and notify our Scheduling Department.
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 asked to change into a hospital gown or other suitable attire.
You will be injected with a radioactive glucose (sugar). After the injection you will be resting for 45 minutes to an hour to allow the radioactive tracer to be taken up by the body. You will then be placed in a scanner similar to a CT scanner with the images taking approximately one hour.
A PET technologist will assist you with your positioning on the padded exam table.
Lie as still as possible; motion can cause blurred images.
The PET 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?

A typical PET exam will last forty-five minutes to one hour depending on the specific exam requested by your physician. The total time at the facility should be approximately 2 ½ hours.

PET RESULTS

Our highly skilled licensed technologists will produce images for a radiologist to evaluate. The radiologist will study your results and 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.