Pet Scan Clinic in Culver City, Los Angeles CA

A PET scan is an advanced diagnostic examination that gives us crucial information about the structure and function of cells and tissues within your body. It involves the use of a small amount of radioactive tracer or radiotracer, a specialized camera, and a computer.

PET Scan Process:

1. Tracer Administration: We start the PET scan by administering a small amount of radioactive substance, known as a radiotracer, typically through an intravenous injection.

2. Tracer Accumulation: The radiotracer travels through your body and collects in organs and tissues, especially areas of high metabolic activity.

3. Gamma Ray Detection: The radiotracer emits energy in the form of gamma rays, which our specialized camera and computer detect.

4. Image Reconstruction: Our scanner creates detailed images of your body, highlighting areas of metabolic activity and providing unique insight into the function and health of your organs and tissues.

Unlike other imaging techniques, such as CT scans and MRI scans, which primarily focus on the physical structure of the body, PET scans measure essential body functions like blood flow, oxygen use, and glucose metabolism. This allows our doctors to assess how well your organs and tissues are functioning.

PET scans are particularly effective in detecting and monitoring various conditions. They assist in:

● Cancer: PET scans help in detecting tumors and staging their progression.
● Heart disease: PET scans assess blood flow to the heart and detect blockages.
● Brain disorders: PET scans help in evaluating brain function and identifying abnormalities.
● Infection: PET scans allow us to identify areas of inflammation or infection.
● Metabolism disorders: PET scans can assess metabolic processes in the body.

PET scans provide unique information that guides our treatment decisions and monitors the effectiveness of ongoing therapy. They are a safe, effective, and versatile method of examining your body’s internal workings, and play a critical role in the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases.

At iVIE MRI Screening Center, we are committed to providing high-quality healthcare services utilizing cutting-edge technologies, including Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans. Our PET scan services are designed to help diagnose a broad spectrum of health conditions, making them a critical tool for both diagnosis and treatment planning.
 
Our expert team frequently utilizes PET scans for cancer detection and staging. We specialize in identifying a variety of cancer types, including head and neck, thoracic, abdominal, breast, and brain cancers. By assessing the stage of the disease, evaluating the effectiveness of treatment, and detecting any recurrence, we can provide comprehensive care for our patients.

We also use PET scans to detect and monitor neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and brain tumors, aiding in early detection and differential diagnosis. These scans are also useful in diagnosing and differentiating between types of dementia.

In addition to these, our PET scans play a crucial role in diagnosing infections and inflammatory diseases such as infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, and inflammation. We can also diagnose other conditions such as thyroid disorders, kidney disease, pulmonary embolism, endocrine disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, unexplained seizures, unexplained pain, or other rare disorders.

At iVIE MRI Screening Center, we understand that undergoing a PET scan can be a daunting experience. That’s why we’re committed to guiding our patients every step of the way. Here are some crucial steps to take before, during, and after your PET scan to ensure the procedure goes smoothly and provides accurate results.
 
Before Your Scan:

● Diet: To obtain the best possible results from your scan, we recommend maintaining a low-carbohydrate diet at least 24 hours before your appointment.
● Physical Activity: Please avoid any strenuous physical activities a day before your scan.
● Fasting: For optimal image quality, plan to fast for at least four to six hours before your appointment. However, you can drink water.
● Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is important, so drink plenty of fluids, especially water, before your scan.
● Medication: Please discuss any medications you’re taking with our medical team.
● Blood Glucose Control: If you have diabetes, our medical team will provide special instructions to manage your blood sugar levels before and during the scan.
● Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: For your baby’s safety, inform our team if you’re pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding.
● Clothing: Dress comfortably in loose-fitting clothing for your appointment. This allows for easy access to the injection site.
● Jewelry and Metal Objects: Please avoid wearing metal objects, including jewelry, watches, glasses, or hearing aids, which can interfere with the scan.
● Arrival Time: Arrive early for your appointment to complete any necessary paperwork and to relax before the procedure.
● Radiation Doses: The small radiation dose involved in the PET scan will gradually diminish over time.
● Follow-up: Our physicians will schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss the results of the scan and determine further steps if necessary.

At iVIE MRI Screening Center, we prioritize your health and comfort.

We offer comprehensive Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanning services, a non-invasive imaging technique that aids in the diagnosis and monitoring of various conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders. Our skilled healthcare providers will guide you throughout the process, ensuring you are prepared and comfortable.
 
We will provide you with particular advice before your PET scan, such as fasting for a few hours and avoiding vigorous physical activity. Additionally, since some medications can affect the scan results, our experts will need to know about any medications you are taking.

When it’s time for the scan, you’ll lie down on a table that slides into our state-of-the-art PET scanner. The scanner rotates around you, capturing detailed images of your body’s metabolic activity for about 30 to 60 minutes. We strive to make this procedure as painless and comfortable as possible. However, if you have claustrophobia or find it difficult to stay still for extended periods, our team will work with you to ensure your comfort.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please inform our team before undergoing a PET scan. We also ensure to accommodate patients with metal implants or those experiencing discomfort due to claustrophobia.

Our skilled nuclear medicine physician will interpret the images from the PET scan. These results will be discussed with you at a follow-up appointment, aiding your doctor in diagnosing conditions, planning treatments, or monitoring disease progression. Trust iVIE MRI Screening Center for your PET scan needs. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are located at 11600 Washington Pl, Suit A, Culver City, CA 90066. We serve patients from Culver City Los Angeles CA, Downtown LA, Beverly Hills CA, Marina del Rey CA, Venice CA, Santa Monica CA, and surrounding areas.