Nuclear Medicine and PET Imaging Studies
Nuclear Medicine is a subspecialty within the field of radiology. It includes diagnostic imaging studies that demonstrate body anatomy and function. The images are based on the distribution of a radioactive substance given to the patient, either intravenously, by mouth or inhaled into the lungs. This diagnostic tool provides information that is otherwise unattainable using other imaging procedures. Generally, radiation to the patient is similar to that resulting from standard x-ray examinations. Nuclear medicine images can assist the physician in diagnosing diseases and evaluating organs. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) combined with CT (PET/CT) produces images that demonstrate both anatomy and function. PET/CT is used primarily for tumor localization but is also used to evaluate cardiac function and brain metabolism.

Nuclear Medicine and PET Imaging Equipment
At each of our RAS Nuclear Medicine centers our Nuclear Medicine cameras are designed with dual head SPECT camera systems which provide us with the capability of performing tomographic images.  Additionally PET/CT units are available at  three locations allowing our staff and physicians to provide our patients with the most advanced imaging studies available. PET and CT scans that are "fused" together, provide complete information on cancer location and metabolism. In 2007, RAS acquired its first Positron Emission Mammography (PEM) unit, an organ specific high resolution PET scanner used for breast cancer staging.

Nuclear Medicine and PET Imaging Locations
Auburn Imaging (Nuclear Medicine)
Capitol PET and Nuclear Medicine Imaging (Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT)
Folsom Imaging (Nuclear Medicine)
Roseville PET and Nuclear Medicine Imaging (Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT)
Carmichael Imaging PET and Nuclear Medicine Imaging (Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT)