Advanced Diagnostics and Imaging

Advanced diagnostics and imaging uses cutting-edge technology to produce detailed images inside your body. As a result, your physician can accurately diagnose complex diseases like cancer and dementia at the earliest possible stage.The three procedures included in advanced diagnostic imaging are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and positron emission tomography (PET). Dr. Riedl specializes in CT and PET/CT scans.

Don’t wait to schedule an appointment if you need advanced diagnostics and imaging. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call the office or use the online booking feature today.

 

When would I need advanced diagnostics and imaging?

Your physician orders advanced diagnostic imaging when your symptoms and preliminary diagnostic tests suggest cancer. Dr. Riedl uses PET/CT scans to diagnose tumors in your head and neck, bones, blood vessels, prostate, and all the structures in your chest and abdomen, including your heart and lungs. You may also need advanced diagnostic imaging to evaluate ongoing cancer treatment results or to screen for certain cancers, such as lung cancer. PET/CT scans can also detect changes in brain function caused by dementia and chemotherapy.

Why is a PET/CT scan used for advanced diagnostics and imaging?

PET scans use mild radioactive drugs to reveal tumors and show metabolic processes indicating how well your organs and tissues are functioning. CT scans create 3D images of the body’s anatomy. These images show the size, shape, and location of healthy structures (organs, blood vessels, bones, and muscles) and tumors. Using advanced technology to combine the two techniques allows Dr. Riedl to detect disease clearly at the earliest possible stage. The information from a PET/CT scan shows the extent of the disease and whether the cancer has spread, allowing your physician to recommend the most appropriate therapy.



What services can I expect with advanced diagnostics and imaging?

At imagingwest, patients and their physicians receive the ultimate in personal attention, beginning with fast appointments and rapid results. Each patient meets with Dr. Riedl and receives dedicated attention from staff throughout the imaging process. Their rooms are outfitted with massage chairs and television channels and music chosen to promote relaxation. If needed, imagingwest also offers door-to-door car service. Dr. Riedl uses the most technologically advanced tracers to ensure accurate results. Physicians can depend on getting a final report within 24 hours, having immediate online access to images, and one-on-one consultations with Dr. Riedl. If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment, call imagingwest or request an appointment online today.

Helpful Information

 

Important to know

  • Please bring copies of your most recent CT, X-ray, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) films with you on the day of your PET/CT scan.

  • No special preparations are required in advance. You can have a small breakfast on the day of the examination.

  • Drink plenty of water one hour before the examination.

  • On the day of the examination, contact with pregnant women or young children should be avoided.

What you need for a PSMA PET-CT

  • The examination costs are not reimbursed by the health insurance companies.

  • Some private insurance companies cover part of the costs, you should definitely submit our fee note there.

  • Depending on the medical question, an individual tracer is produced for your examination.

If you need to cancel your appointment

  • If need to cancel your appointment, please inform us of this no later than the day before by 12 noon, otherwise we will have to charge a cancellation fee.

  • Also, if we can’t reach you to confirm the appointment 48 hours before the exam we will have to reschedule you. You can of course also call us if you are not reachable.

 

How a PSMA PET-CT works

  • We will inject you a small dose of the radioactive tracer substance specially prepared for you.

  • Then wait 120 minutes in a lying position to achieve the appropriate tracer distribution and enrichment.

  • The recording in the scanner takes about 20minutes.

  • Drink plenty of fluids after the examination to speed up the elimination of the tracer.

  • Please let us know if you suffer from claustrophobia. Here are some tips if you do.

Side effects

  • No side effects are to be expected from the injection of the radioactive tracer itself.

  • Side effects can result from the administration of iodine-containing contrast medium in the context of the possibly accompanying contrast medium-assisted computed tomography (intolerance reaction, hyperthyroidism, exacerbation of a pre-existing renal insufficiency).

  • Please make sure to point out in the informative discussion if you have had a reaction to a contrast medium in the past (reddening of the skin, itching, swelling, shortness of breath, etc.).