Our Services
To ensure each patient is properly cared for, we provide cutting edge imaging technology so each patient can be accurately diagnosed, so they can receive the medical care that they deserve.
To ensure each patient is properly cared for, we provide cutting edge imaging technology so each patient can be accurately diagnosed, so they can receive the medical care that they deserve.
Using a small amount of radiation, a special x-ray machine, and high-tech computers, CT scans take multiple images of internal organs, soft tissue, and other body parts. You will be given a radiotracer that will be injected into a vein or swallowed depending on the exam you are having. The radiotracer will then accumulate in the organ according to how that organ is functioning.
The gamma camera is similar to a CT machine, a large, doughnut-like scanner with a quiet camera that detects the gamma rays given off by the radiotracer. Areas in the organ that show a greater intensity are where large amounts of the radiotracer have gathered which indicates high chemical activity. On the other hand, a small amount of radiotracer in the organ, which indicates low chemical activity, appears less intense.
The images are read by our radiologist and a report is sent to your doctor in a timely manner.
Why is a Nuclear Medicine Scan needed?
Physicians use radionuclide imaging procedures to visualize the structure and function of an organ, tissue, bone or system of the body.
Nuclear medicine imaging scans are performed to:
How does the procedure work?
With ordinary x-ray examinations, an image is made by passing x-rays through your body from an outside source. In contrast, nuclear medicine procedures use a radioactive material called a radiopharmaceutical or radiotracer, which is injected into your bloodstream, swallowed or inhaled as a gas. This radioactive material accumulates in the organ or area of your body being examined, where it gives off a small amount of energy in the form of gamma rays. A gamma camera, PET scanner, or probe detects this energy and with the help of a computer creates pictures offering details on both the structure and function of organs and tissues in your body.
Unlike other imaging techniques, nuclear medicine imaging exams focus on depicting physiologic processes within the body, such as rates of metabolism or levels of various other chemical activities, instead of showing anatomy and structure. Areas of greater intensity, called “hot spots”, indicate where large amounts of the radiotracer have accumulated and where there is a high level of chemical activity. Less intense areas, or “cold spots”, indicate a smaller concentration of radiotracer and less chemical activity.
In radioactive iodine (I-131) therapy, radioactive iodine (I-131) is swallowed, absorbed into the bloodstream in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and concentrated from the blood by the thyroid gland where it destroys cells within that organ.
What will I experience during and after the procedure?
Except for intravenous injections, most nuclear medicine procedures are painless and are rarely associated with significant discomfort or side effects.
If the radiotracer is given intravenously, you will feel a slight pin prick when the needle is inserted into your vein for the intravenous line. When the radioactive material is injected into your arm, you may feel a cold sensation moving up your arm, but there are generally no other side effects.
When swallowed, the radiotracer has little or no taste. When inhaled, you should feel no differently than when breathing room air or holding your breath.
With some procedures, a catheter may be placed into your bladder, which may cause temporary discomfort.
It is important that you remain still while the images are being recorded. Though nuclear imaging itself causes no pain, there may be some discomfort from having to remain still or to stay in one particular position during imaging.
Unless your physician tells you otherwise, you may resume your normal activities after your nuclear medicine scan. If any special instructions are necessary, you will be informed by a technologist, nurse or physician before you leave the nuclear medicine department.
Through the natural process of radioactive decay, the small amount of radiotracer in your body will lose its radioactivity over time. It may also pass out of your body through your urine or stool during the first few hours or days following the test. You may be instructed to take special precautions after urinating, to flush the toilet twice and to wash your hands thoroughly. You should also drink plenty of water to help flush the radioactive material out of your body as instructed by the nuclear medicine personnel.
Will the radiation from the nuclear medicine test be harmful?
The amount of radiation exposure from a nuclear medicine test is very small, and the effects go away within hours of the test being completed.
HIDA Scan
You may not have anything to eat or drink 6 hours prior to exam.
Bone Scan
You will receive an injection and be asked to return to our facility 3 hours later to do your scan.
Gastric Empty
You may not have anything to eat or drink 6 hours prior to exam. You will be asked to bring an egg salad sandwich.
Gallium Scan
You will receive an injection and be asked to return to our facility 48-72 hours for your scan.
I131 Whole body
You will be asked to take a pill and return to our facility 48 hours later for your scan.
No patient preparation is required for the following exams:
850 E. Latham Ave., Suite 101
Hemet, CA 92543
Toll Free Phone: 866-419-3372
Fax: 951-677-7839
25470 Medical Center Drive, Suite 101
Murrieta, CA 92562
Toll Free Phone: 866-419-3372
Fax: 951-677-7839
26870 Cherry Hills Boulevard
Sun City, CA 92586
Toll Free Phone: 866-419-3372
Fax: 951-677-7839