Diagnostic Testing

Take the first step towards receiving care.

Advanced Testing. Convenient, Coordinated Care.

Diagnostic testing plays an important role in detecting cancer, understanding your diagnosis, planning treatment, and monitoring how your body responds to care. At Rocky Mountain Oncology, we offer on-site imaging and laboratory services to make many of these important tests more convenient for our patients.

Whether you’re being evaluated for a possible cancer diagnosis or are already receiving treatment, our team will guide you through the process. We’ll explain how to prepare, what will happen during your test, how long it should take, and when you can expect results.

With imaging and laboratory services available as part of your cancer care, your physicians can access important information while keeping your care closely coordinated.

On-Site Diagnostic Services

Our diagnostic services support patients throughout different stages of cancer care — from initial evaluation and treatment planning to monitoring treatment response and follow-up care.

PET/CT Imaging

PET/CT combines two types of imaging into a single examination. PET imaging shows areas of increased metabolic activity within the body, while CT imaging provides detailed information about the location and structure of tissues and organs.

Together, these images can provide physicians with valuable information about cancer and help them:

Detect and evaluate areas of abnormal activity
Determine the location and extent of disease
Help determine whether cancer has spread
Evaluate how cancer is responding to treatment
Monitor for signs of recurrence
Support treatment planning and follow-up care

Your physician will determine whether PET/CT is appropriate based on your diagnosis, symptoms, previous testing, and individual care plan.

What to Expect During a PET/CT Scan

Before your scan, a technologist will bring you to a private area where a small amount of radioactive tracer is administered through an IV. You’ll then rest quietly for approximately an hour while the tracer circulates through your body.

When you’re ready for imaging, your technologist will position you comfortably on the scanner table. The PET/CT scan itself generally takes approximately 30–45 minutes.

The tracer loses its radioactivity over time and is eliminated from the body. Your care team will provide instructions for after your examination, which may include drinking additional water.

PET/CT results are typically available within 48 hours.

CT Scans

Computed tomography, commonly called a CT or CAT scan, uses X-rays and computer technology to create detailed cross-sectional images of structures inside the body.

CT imaging can help physicians locate abnormalities, evaluate organs and tissues, plan cancer treatment, and monitor changes during and after treatment.

For patients with cancer, CT scans may be used to:

Identify the location and size of a tumor
Help determine whether cancer has spread
Assist with treatment planning
Monitor response to treatment
Evaluate changes during follow-up care

What to Expect During a CT Scan

Your CT technologist will help position you comfortably on the scanner table and explain the examination before imaging begins.

Depending on the area being examined, your scan may require contrast material to make certain tissues, organs, or blood vessels easier to see. Contrast may be administered through an IV or by mouth depending on the examination.

If IV contrast is used, some patients experience a temporary warm sensation or metallic taste. Your healthcare team will review relevant medical history and determine whether any additional precautions or testing are necessary before contrast is administered.

Please tell your healthcare team before your scan if you’ve previously had a reaction to contrast material, have kidney problems, have diabetes, are pregnant or may be pregnant, or have other medical concerns that could affect your examination.

CT examinations vary depending on the area being scanned and the type of study being performed.

CT results are typically available within 48 hours.

Our On-Site Lab

Laboratory testing provides your oncology team with important information throughout your care. Blood, urine, and other laboratory tests may be used before treatment, during treatment, and as part of ongoing monitoring.

Depending on your individual care plan, laboratory testing can help your team:

Establish baseline measurements before treatment begins
Gather information that helps guide treatment decisions
Monitor how your body is responding to treatment
Evaluate blood cell counts and organ function
Identify changes that may require adjustments to your care
Monitor cancer and your overall health over time

Having laboratory services available on-site can also help coordinate testing with your appointments and treatment whenever appropriate.

When Can I Expect My Results?

We know waiting for test results can be stressful. Our team works to make diagnostic testing as timely and coordinated as possible.

Typical result timeframes include:

Medical Imaging / Scans — Approximately 48 hours
Tumor Markers — Approximately 48 hours
Pathology Reports — Approximately 3–5 days
Bone Marrow Testing — Approximately 5–7 days

These are general timeframes and may vary depending on the specific test, laboratory processing, or whether additional evaluation is required.

Your care team will let you know when and how your individual results will be discussed with you.

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