Medical Imaging
Advanced Imaging.
Compassionate Care.
Medical imaging gives your care team important information about your health. At New Mexico Cancer Center, we offer CT, MRI and several types of advanced PET imaging.
We also know that having a scan can make you nervous. Our imaging team will explain what to expect and help make your visit as comfortable as possible.
Our Imaging Services
Different scans provide different types of information. Your doctor will choose the exam that best meets your needs.
CT Scans
CT scans use X-rays to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body. They are fast and painless. Some CT scans use contrast to make certain areas easier to see.
MRI
MRI uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images. It does not use radiation.
An MRI may be used to look closely at organs, soft tissues and other areas of the body.
PET Imaging
PET scans show how cells and tissues are working inside your body. Different PET scans use different imaging medicines to look for specific types of activity.
BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
A Little Preparation Can Make Your Visit Easier
Your specific exam may have special instructions. Please review the page for your scheduled exam before your appointment.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water the day before your appointment unless your care team tells you otherwise.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Wear comfortable clothes without metal when possible. Avoid clothing with metal zippers, snaps or underwire bras.
You may be asked to change into a gown for your exam.
You may be asked to change into a gown for your exam.
Take Your Regular Medications
In most cases, you can take your regular medications with water.
Some exams have different medication instructions. Follow the instructions for your specific exam or those given to you by your care team.
Some exams have different medication instructions. Follow the instructions for your specific exam or those given to you by your care team.
If You Need Medicine to Relax
If you are worried about pain or claustrophobia, talk with your doctor before your appointment.
If your doctor gives you medicine to help you relax during the scan, bring it with you. You will need someone to drive you home.
If your doctor gives you medicine to help you relax during the scan, bring it with you. You will need someone to drive you home.
Please Arrive on Time
Arriving on time helps us keep your exam on schedule.
This is especially important for PET scans. The imaging medicine used for PET scans is time-sensitive. If you arrive late, we may need to reschedule your exam.
This is especially important for PET scans. The imaging medicine used for PET scans is time-sensitive. If you arrive late, we may need to reschedule your exam.
Questions? Please call the Radiology Department at 505-822-3803.
PLEASE TELL US BEFORE YOUR EXAM
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR VISIT
We Will Guide You Through Each Step
Knowing what will happen can make an imaging appointment feel much easier.
YOUR COMFORT MATTERS
It's OK to Be Nervous
Many people feel nervous before an imaging exam. You may be worried about the machine, an IV, staying still or simply not knowing what to expect.
Tell us how you're feeling.
Our technologists will explain what is happening and help you get comfortable before your scan begins.
During PET imaging, you will spend part of your appointment resting while the imaging medicine moves through your body. You'll have a comfortable recliner and a warm blanket. You can bring your phone, tablet or something to read while you wait.
During CT and MRI exams, your technologist can see and hear you throughout your scan.
Have a concern before your appointment? Call us. We would rather answer your question ahead of time than have you worry about it.
AFTER YOUR EXAM
Most People Can Get Right Back to Their Day
For most CT, MRI and PET exams, you can return to your normal activities right away.
If you received contrast or PET imaging medicine, drinking plenty of fluids afterward can help your body clear it.
If you took medicine to help you relax, you will need someone else to drive you home.
Your doctor will receive your imaging results and discuss them with you.
Your exam page will include any special instructions you need to follow afterward.
RADIATION SAFETY
Worried About Radiation?
It's common to have questions about radiation.
CT and PET scans use small amounts of radiation to create important images. MRI does not use radiation.
Our imaging team follows strict safety standards. We use the amount of radiation needed to get clear, useful images while keeping your exposure as low as possible.
Medical imaging can give your doctor information that may help find a problem, plan treatment or see how well treatment is working.
Learn More About Radiation and Medical Imaging
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Will my scan hurt?
The scan itself should not hurt. If your exam requires an IV, you may feel a brief needle stick.
Can I eat before my scan?
It depends on your exam.
Some exams have no food restrictions. Others require you to stop eating for several hours. FDG PET also has special food instructions beginning the day before your scan.
Always follow the instructions for your specific exam.
Some exams have no food restrictions. Others require you to stop eating for several hours. FDG PET also has special food instructions beginning the day before your scan.
Always follow the instructions for your specific exam.
Can I take my medications?
Most patients can take their regular medications with water.
There are exceptions. For example, some patients with diabetes have special instructions before an FDG PET scan.
Check your exam instructions carefully.
There are exceptions. For example, some patients with diabetes have special instructions before an FDG PET scan.
Check your exam instructions carefully.
What if I am claustrophobic?
Tell your doctor before your appointment if you are worried about enclosed spaces.
Your doctor may prescribe medicine to help you relax. If you take this type of medicine, you will need someone to drive you home.
Your doctor may prescribe medicine to help you relax. If you take this type of medicine, you will need someone to drive you home.
Can someone come with me?
Yes. A friend or family member can come with you to your appointment.
For safety reasons, visitors are not allowed in PET holding areas or imaging rooms. They can wait for you in the waiting area.
For safety reasons, visitors are not allowed in PET holding areas or imaging rooms. They can wait for you in the waiting area.
Can I drive after my exam?
Most patients can drive and return to normal activities after their exam.
Do not drive if you took medicine to help you relax.
Do not drive if you took medicine to help you relax.
How long will my appointment take?
It depends on your exam.
A CT without contrast may take only 20–30 minutes for the entire visit. PET appointments usually take 90–120 minutes. MRI appointment times vary depending on the type of images your doctor needs.
Your specific exam page will tell you how much time to plan for your visit.
A CT without contrast may take only 20–30 minutes for the entire visit. PET appointments usually take 90–120 minutes. MRI appointment times vary depending on the type of images your doctor needs.
Your specific exam page will tell you how much time to plan for your visit.
When will I get my results?
Your doctor will review your imaging results with you. Ask your care team when you should expect to discuss your results.
QUESTIONS OR CHANGES TO YOUR APPOINTMENT
We're Here to Help
Have a question about your scan? Need to change your appointment?
Call the New Mexico Cancer Center Radiology Department at 505-822-3803.
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please contact us by 5 p.m. the day before your appointment.