Computed tomography (CT or C.A.T. Scan) is an imaging procedure that uses special x-ray equipment to create detailed pictures, or scans, of areas inside the body. It is also called computerized tomography and computerized axial tomography (CAT). Click Here for more information.

Diagnostic Radiography (X-Ray and Fluoroscopy) is the production of high quality images for the purpose of diagnosis of injury or disease. It is a pivotal aspect of medicine and a patient's diagnosis and ultimate treatment is often dependent on the images produced. Click Here for more information.

Interventional radiology is a rapidly growing area of medicine. Interventional radiologists are physicians who specialize in minimally invasive, targeted treatments performed using imaging guidance. Interventional radiology procedures often replace open surgical procedures. They are generally easier for the patient because they involve no large incisions, less risk, less pain and shorter recovery times.

Interventional radiologists (IRs) use their expertise in reading X-rays, ultrasound and other medical images to guide small instruments such as catheters (tubes that measure just a few millimeters in diameter) through the blood vessels or other pathways to treat disease percutaneously (through the skin). These procedures are typically much less invasive and much less costly than traditional surgery. Click Here for more information.

Ultrasound imaging uses sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. It is used to help diagnose the causes of pain, swelling and infection in the body’s internal organs and to examine a baby in pregnant women and the brain and hips in infants. It’s also used to help guide biopsies, diagnose heart conditions, and assess damage after a heart attack. Ultrasound is safe, noninvasive, and does not use ionizing radiation. Click Here for more information.

Ultrasound imaging uses sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. It is used to help diagnose the causes of pain, swelling and infection in the body’s internal organs and to examine a baby in pregnant women and the brain and hips in infants. It’s also used to help guide biopsies, diagnose heart conditions, and assess damage after a heart attack. Ultrasound is safe, noninvasive, and does not use ionizing radiation. Click Here for more information.

Nuclear medicine is a branch of medical imaging that uses small amounts of radioactive material to diagnose and determine the severity of or treat a variety of diseases, including many types of cancers, heart disease, gastrointestinal, endocrine, neurological disorders and other abnormalities within the body. Click Here for more information.

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a noninvasive diagnostic imaging procedure that assesses biological processes at the molecular level. In other words, PET can see how different cell types function within the body. Positron emitting radioactive tracers (radiopharmaceuticals) are administered intravenously into the patient. Positrons can only travel a small fraction of an inch in the body before they get destroyed by reacting with an electron. When that happens, penetrating radiation is created which leaves the body and gets detected by the PET camera. Over time (a matter of minutes) enough positron reactions have been detected to create an image. Examples of clinical PET studies include the assessment of metabolic activity in tumors, brain tissue, and heart muscle. The most common PET radiotracer is F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG).

At UC Davis Medical Center, PET scans may be performed using either of our two installed multi-slice PET/CT scanners, or on our new EXPLORER Total Body PET/CT scanner. All three scanners obtain both PET and low-radiation (non-diagnostic quality) CT images during the same examination. The result is a fused PET and low-radiation CT image, which provides precise anatomical localization (CT) of disease processes or cell function (PET).

Our new EXPLORER Total Body scanner acquires PET imaging of the entire body, from head to toe, all at the same time. It is the first and only Total Body PET scanner approved by the FDA in the United States. Your physician and our Nuclear Medicine doctors will determine if the EXPLORER Total Body PET scanner is right for you.

Applications of PET/CT include:

• Oncology: Diagnosis, staging, and restaging of tumors. Evaluating response to therapy.

• Cardiology: Diagnosis and evaluation of coronary artery disease, or blood flow to the heart muscle.

• Neurology: Diagnosis of brain disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and seizures

PET/CT scans offer patients life-saving information that helps their doctors detect and diagnose disease early, and begin treatment quickly.

Learn more about our PET scanners

The Breast Imaging Section offers comprehensive imaging and consultative services for diagnosis and follow-up of breast abnormalities. Asymptomatic normal risk women can be screened for breast cancer with standard 2-D mammography. 3-D mammography (tomosynthesis) is also offered. Those at high risk for breast cancer may also undergo screening breast MR. For diagnosis of breast abnormalities in symptomatic patients or patients having abnormal screening studies, the section offers tailored diagnostic mammography, breast ultrasound, breast MR, sonographically guided, stereotactic and MR guided breast biopsy, as well as localization of occult lesions in preparation for surgical removal. Opportunities to participate in research studies in breast imaging, including protocols examining dedicated breast CT and tomosynthesis, are also available to eligible UCD patients. Click Here for more information.