Scantibodies is a global biotechnology company specializing in immunodiagnostics, medical manufacturing, and patient care. Established over 48 years ago, our headquarters are in Santee, California, with additional facilities in Ramona and Otay, California; Tijuana and Tecate, Mexico; and Beijing, China.

Our founder, Tom Cantor, is a scientist and entrepreneur who established Scantibodies with a vision to advance healthcare diagnostics and treatment. In 2010, he was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer. His personal battle with cancer deepened his commitment to patient care and inspired the expansion of our services to include advanced imaging and therapy.

Our Tecate facility was chosen for its strategic location and the opportunity to provide high-quality medical services at more accessible costs. The city offers proximity to the U.S. border, making it convenient for both local and international patients. Additionally, establishing our facility in Tecate allows us to serve a broader community with advanced imaging technologies.

Placing our Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanner in Tecate enables us to offer cutting-edge imaging services at more affordable prices compared to many U.S. facilities. This location choice allows us to serve a larger population, including those in the northwest region of Mexico, where such advanced imaging options are limited. Our goal is to make top-tier diagnostic services accessible to more patients.

Expect 2–3 hours including prep and wait time. The scan itself usually takes 20–30 minutes.

No. The procedure is painless. You may feel a quick pinch from the tracer injection.

Don’t eat for 8 hours prior. Drink water, avoid exercise for 24 hours, and follow any special instructions—especially if diabetic.

Avoid eating for at least 8 hours before the scan. Water is encouraged. No sugary drinks and 24 hours carbohydrates fasting.

Yes. The PET scan procedure is low-risk, and the radiation levels are within safe medical guidelines.

A PET/CT scan typically involves about 5-15mCi depending your weight. The exposure is monitored carefully.

Yes. Newer digital PET scan systems can reduce radiation with improved image quality.

Most people feel nothing. Rarely, mild allergic reactions, tiredness, or injection site discomfort may occur.

No direct deaths are linked to PET/CT scans. Radiation risks accumulate with repeated scans but are managed medically.

• Do not have contact with pregnant women or children under 18 years of age for 8 hours after your study.
• Avoid crowded places for 8 hours after your study. (Ex: shopping centers, restaurants, cinemas, social events, airports)
• At the end of 8 hours after the radiopharmaceutical application, flush the toilet 3 times.

It detects many but not all. It’s less effective for slow-growing or low-metabolic cancer. Using the FDG-18 molecule, it is possible to detect lung cancer, lymphoma, colorectal cancer, malignant melanoma, esophageal cancer, head and neck cancer, thyroid cancer, breast cancer, and other types of hypermetabolic cancer, including their metastases. Other types of cancer, such as prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumors, can be detected with different radiotracers.

Using the FDG-18 molecule, it is possible to detect lung cancer, lymphoma, colorectal cancer, malignant melanoma, esophageal cancer, head and neck cancer, thyroid cancer, breast cancer, and other types of hypermetabolic cancer, including their metastases.

When using FDG-F18 in a PET/CT scan, prostate cancer and neuroendocrine cancers cannot be detected.

Yes, especially in very small tumors or those with low metabolic activity, considering the types of cancer detected with F18-FDG. Therefore, follow-up testing is sometimes necessary.

Yes. Some medical studies discuss false negatives, especially in slow-growing cancers. It’s not 100% definitive.

PET/CT is a widely used imaging tool that can provide valuable information for staging many types of cancer. It combines two imaging techniques—positron emission tomography (PET), which shows areas of metabolic activity, and computed tomography (CT), which provides detailed anatomical images. Together, they help physicians evaluate the location and possible spread of cancer within the body.

When used appropriately, PET/CT can support clinical decision-making by:

• Helping identify areas where cancer may have spread beyond the original site.
• Aiding in distinguishing between active disease and non-cancerous tissue.
• Assisting in treatment planning by giving a clearer picture of disease extent.

It’s important to understand that no imaging test is perfect. The accuracy of PET/CT can vary depending on the type of cancer, its location, and individual patient factors. Ask our doctors if a PET/CT scan is right for you in a free consultation.

Yes. PET/CT is often used to check for recurrence after treatment.

Yes, but not all. It detects metabolic changes early, which may precede symptoms.

Earlier detection often leads to higher survival rates, less invasive treatment, and better outcomes.

PET/CT and biopsy are both important tools used in diagnosing cancer, but they serve different purposes and involve different procedures.

• PET/CT scans are non-invasive imaging studies that help identify areas in the body that may be suspicious for cancer. By using a small amount of radioactive glucose (FDG-18), PET/CT highlights areas of increased metabolic activity, which may indicate cancer or other conditions. This scan provides valuable information about where disease may be located and whether it may have spread, which can help guide further diagnostic steps.

• Biopsies, on the other hand, are invasive procedures where a small tissue sample is removed from the body and examined under a microscope. A biopsy is typically required to confirm a definitive diagnosis of cancer, because it provides direct information about the type of cells present and whether they are cancerous.

While a PET/CT scan can help detect and localize abnormal areas, a biopsy is usually necessary to confirm the diagnosis and determine the specific type of cancer. The two procedures are often used together—PET/CT can help identify the most appropriate area to biopsy, increasing the accuracy and effectiveness of the diagnostic process.

Ask our doctors if a PET/CT scan is right for you in a free consultation.

Some cancers can appear in early stages after abnormal cell activity begins, depending on their metabolic rate.

As often as medically necessary. Doctors weigh the benefit vs radiation exposure each time.

Often every 3–6 months during and after treatment, depending on cancer type and treatment response.

Yes. MRI Diffusion is ideal for tracking tumor size and changes over time, especially after PET/CT identifies it.

It is not recommended for pregnant women. Breastfeeding women should follow the pre-scan instructions. Let the staff know in advance. Alternative imaging may be offered.

You can still have the scan, but preparation may vary. High blood sugar can affect scan results.

You can speak to one of our doctors by scheduling a free consultation to learn if a PET/CT scan is right for you.

Patients arriving from the U.S. are first received at our Otay facility located at 1658 Gailes Blvd, San Diego, CA 92154. From there, our transportation service takes them on a comfortable and secure drive to Scantibodies Imaging and Therapy in Tecate, Mexico. The route typically follows these steps:

• Transportation departs from our Otay building and travels southeast on CA-905 E toward the Otay Mesa Port of Entry.
• After a brief customs and immigration check at the Tecate border crossing, transportation continues along the Mexican Federal Highway (Carretera Tecate-Ensenada).
• Once in Tecate, transportation proceeds through the Parque Industrial El Bajío area.
• The final stop is at Calle Los Viñedos #4000-E, the location of Scantibodies Imaging and Therapy.

The total drive time is usually under one hour, depending on border traffic. We ensure all patients are accompanied by bilingual staff and that the route is managed for efficiency and safety.

Yes, it is safe. Scantibodies Imaging and Therapy offers private, roundtrip transportation from our U.S. facility in Otay, California (San Diego County) directly to our imaging center in Tecate, Mexico. Patients are not required to drive or navigate the border themselves—our bilingual staff handles everything to ensure a smooth and secure experience. We’ve designed this service to give you peace of mind from the moment you arrive.

We understand your concern. Our dedicated transportation service operates through well-established, secure border crossings and travels only on pre-cleared commercial routes between our U.S. and Mexican facilities. Patients are always accompanied by Scantibodies staff, and the entire process is structured for safety, comfort, and efficiency. Many of our patients are U.S. residents who appreciate the seamless experience we’ve built.

Yes, Scantibodies is an American-owned company, founded and headquartered in the U.S., with over four decades of healthcare innovation. We operate state-of-the-art facilities in both the U.S. and Mexico. Our imaging center in Tecate follows U.S.-level quality and safety standards, and our founder—himself a cancer survivor—personally championed this cross-border care model to provide advanced diagnostics at an affordable cost with total peace of mind.

The cost of a PET/CT scan in the U.S. can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of scan, the imaging equipment used (older vs. newer low-dose models), the facility type (hospital vs. outpatient center), and geographic region.

High-end cases: Some specialized or hospital-based PET/CT scans can exceed $10,000 to $15,000, especially when using advanced tracers or scanning multiple areas of the body.

At Scantibodies Imaging and Therapy, we use state-of-the-art low-dose PET/CT technology for safer imaging and offer competitive, transparent pricing options. For patients paying out-of-pocket or without insurance coverage, our self-pay packages are significantly more affordable.

The total cost is $1,976 USD, with no hidden fees. This price includes all services from consultation through transportation and results delivery.

Our PET/CT scan package is available for just $1,976 USD and includes:

• A virtual medical consultation with a certified MD prior to the scan
• A comprehensive full-body PET/CT scan using FDG-18
• A light meal for the patient, offered after the scan
• PET/CT Images are delivered on a USB right after the scan
• Scan results interpreted in English by a certified Radiologist
• Scan results are sent via email within the following 5 business days
• Personalized recommendations based on scan findings
• Bilingual staff to assist throughout the entire medical process
• Fast-track transportation between San Diego and Tecate, with free parking included

No, we do not accept U.S. insurance.

Yes. We offer self-pay options, and our team can walk you through costs and payment plans.

We accept credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) as well as bank transfers for your convenience. Our patients pay the initial 50% investment by card or transfer when scheduling their scan, and the remaining balance after their procedure using the same method. Our team is happy to assist you with the payment process and provide secure instructions for completing a bank transfer if needed.

No. You will receive the images in a USB after your scan. The report with the results is usually sent within 5 business days.

When a patient schedules a PET/CT scan with us, a personalized dose of FDG (a radiotracer required for the scan) is specially ordered for that day. Because this dose is time-sensitive and non-reusable, we require a 50% payment upfront to secure the appointment. If the patient does not show up, this initial payment is non-refundable. This policy covers the cost of the FDG dose and the logistics involved in preparing for the scan.

A radioactive glucose tracer, FDG-F18 (F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose), which highlights areas of high metabolic activity.

Let our team know ahead of time. Allergic reactions are very rare but possible.