Diagnostic Imaging
Clearview Diagnostic Imaging conducts the studies needed to monitor your cancer and its response to treatment. It is important when having studies done at our imaging center that you wear comfortable clothing and remember to bring a list of all the medications you are currently taking. Please note that your timeliness prevents delay or possible re-scheduling of your tests.
CT Scan
Computed Tomography is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the body. During the test you will lie on a table that is hooked to the CT scanner. The scan lasts less than a second and takes a picture of a thin slice of the organ or area being scanned. An iodine dye is often used to make structures and organs easier to see. You may be asked to drink an oral contrast if we are scanning your abdomen or pelvis.
PET Scan
Positron Emission Tomography is a nuclear medicine imaging technique which produces a three-dimensional image allowing a doctor to look at a body organ from every angle and detect potential problems. A short-lived radioactive tracer isotope is injected into a vein. There is a waiting period while the metabolically active molecule becomes concentrated in tissues of interest. The entire process takes approximately 2 to 2-1/2 hours.
Nuclear Medicine
This technique uses imaging tests to produce pictures of both the body's anatomy and functions. Sophisticated instruments detect energy given off by very small amounts of radioactive material given to the patient intravenously or by mouth. Nuclear medicine differs from most other imaging in that the tests primarily show the physiological function of the system being investigated as opposed to the anatomy. The most common tests include bone scans, MUGA scans, and liver/spleen scans.
Receiving Results
You will receive the results of your imaging studies at your next scheduled appointment. During that appointment our physicians will explain to you in detail the results of your studies and answer any questions that you may have regarding the studies.
Please notify our staff IF:
- you are diabetic or claustrophobic
- you have kidney problems or other major medical problems
- you are currently under treatment
Imaging technologists are personnel who have 2 to 4 years of specialized education in performing imaging studies such as CT scans, PET scans, X-Rays, nuclear medicine studies, MRI or ultrasound. These studies monitor your disease response to treatment.
PET Scans, CT Scans and some nuclear medicine studies require special patient preparation prior to the study. Please verify these pre-test preparations with Clearview Diagnostic Imaging at (256) 705-4294.
Download the Technical Data PDF Information Sheet.