Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Imaging Facility at UT Southwestern is a specialized diagnostic imaging center dedicated to providing advanced nuclear medicine services for patients and healthcare providers. Located in Dallas, Texas, our facility is part of the renowned UT Southwestern Medical Center, bringing together cutting-edge technology with expert medical professionals to deliver accurate diagnostic imaging. We focus on helping physicians detect, diagnose, and monitor various medical conditions through the use of PET imaging, which provides detailed information about metabolic processes within the body. Our team of radiologists, nuclear medicine physicians, and technologists work collaboratively to ensure each patient receives thorough and precise imaging services in a comfortable and professional environment.
Our facility offers comprehensive PET imaging services designed to support the diagnostic needs of both patients and referring physicians. We provide whole-body PET scans that can detect areas of abnormal metabolic activity, which is particularly useful in oncology for cancer detection, staging, and monitoring treatment response. Additionally, we offer PET/CT fusion imaging, which combines functional PET data with detailed anatomical CT images to provide a more complete diagnostic picture. Our services extend to cardiac PET imaging for evaluating blood flow to the heart and assessing coronary artery disease. We also perform PET scans for neurological conditions, helping in the evaluation of brain disorders such as dementia, epilepsy, and brain tumors. Each imaging procedure is tailored to the specific clinical question, ensuring that patients receive the most appropriate and informative scan for their medical needs.
PET imaging plays a crucial role in the evaluation of numerous medical conditions across multiple specialties. In oncology, our scans help detect and stage various cancers, including lung, breast, colorectal, lymphoma, and melanoma, while also monitoring how well treatments are working. For cardiac patients, we assist in evaluating heart function and identifying areas of reduced blood flow that may indicate coronary artery disease or damage from previous heart attacks. In neurology, our imaging services support the diagnosis and management of conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and brain tumors by revealing metabolic abnormalities in brain tissue. We also help evaluate infection and inflammation throughout the body, including conditions like sarcoidosis, vasculitis, and fever of unknown origin. Our imaging can detect recurrence of certain cancers or infections, providing valuable information for treatment planning and follow-up care.
Located in the heart of Dallas, our PET imaging facility serves patients throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and surrounding communities. We understand that accessibility to high-quality diagnostic imaging is essential for timely medical care, which is why we strive to accommodate patients from various locations with convenient scheduling options. Our central Dallas location makes us easily accessible to patients traveling from nearby cities such as Irving, Grand Prairie, Mesquite, Garland, and Richardson. We work closely with referring physicians throughout the region to ensure seamless coordination of care, whether patients are coming from local clinics, hospitals, or specialty practices. Our commitment to serving the broader community means we maintain flexible scheduling and work to minimize wait times, recognizing that many of our patients require prompt diagnostic information for their ongoing medical care.
When you arrive for your first PET imaging appointment, you'll be greeted by our friendly staff who will guide you through the check-in process. Since PET scans require the injection of a small amount of radioactive tracer, you'll receive detailed instructions about any necessary dietary restrictions or medication adjustments prior to your appointment. Upon arrival, a nuclear medicine technologist will explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have. The tracer will be administered through an intravenous injection, and you'll need to wait approximately 30-60 minutes for it to circulate throughout your body before the scan begins. During the imaging process, you'll lie comfortably on an exam table that moves slowly through the PET scanner, which resembles a large donut-shaped machine. The scan itself is painless and typically takes 20-45 minutes, though the entire appointment may last 2-3 hours from check-in to completion. Our technologists prioritize your comfort throughout the process and can pause the scan if needed. After your scan, you can typically resume normal activities immediately, though we recommend drinking plenty of fluids to help flush the tracer from your system.
Question: Is PET imaging safe?
Answer: Yes, PET imaging is considered very safe. The radioactive tracer used contains a small amount of radiation that is quickly eliminated from your body through natural processes. The exposure is minimal and generally comparable to or less than what you might receive from other diagnostic imaging procedures. Our medical team carefully weighs the benefits of the diagnostic information against any minimal risks before recommending the procedure.
Question: How should I prepare for my PET scan?
Answer: Preparation typically includes fasting for several hours before your appointment, usually 4-6 hours, though you should continue taking any prescribed medications with small sips of water unless instructed otherwise. You should avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours before the scan and inform our staff about any medical conditions, allergies, or if you might be pregnant. We'll provide specific instructions when you schedule your appointment, and our team is always available to answer any preparation questions you may have.