PET/CT

What is PET/CT?

Positron Emission Tomography (PET/CT) is a powerful imaging technique that holds great promise in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases, particularly cancer. A non-invasive test, PET/CT accurately images the cellular function of the human body. In a single scan your physician can examine your entire body. PET/CT provides a more complete picture, making it easier for your doctor to diagnose problems, determine the extent of disease, prescribe treatment, and track progress.

Why do I need PET/CT?

PET /CT gives information about the body’s chemistry that is not available with other imaging techniques. Unlike X-rays, CT scans or MRI, which show body structure, PET/CT reveals cellular function, providing your doctor with potentially lifesaving insight. Because changes in metabolism occur before anatomical changes are apparent, PET/CT often reveals illnesses much earlier than conventional diagnostic procedures. This may eliminate the need for ineffective or unnecessary surgeries, treatments or other diagnostic tests. It will often significantly reduce medical costs, patient discomfort and potential complications.

About Your Scan

A PET/CT scan is completely painless, with no side effects. After fasting approximately four hours, you will receive an intravenous injection of a radioactive glucose and will rest quietly for approximately 45 minutes while the glucose is distributed throughout the body. You will then be asked to lie still on the scanner table for the duration of the test, which will take an additional 35 minutes. After the organ being studied processes the radioactive tracer and the scanner records the information, a trained radiologist interprets the images. Results are reported to your referring physician. Check with your physician about your insurance coverage for this procedure.

Preparing for your scan

• Do not eat or drink anything besides water for 4 hours before your test.
• Wear comfortable clothing.
• Avoid wearing underwire bras and girdles.
• lease leave valuables at home.
• Notify your physician if you are pregnant, breast-feeding or diabetic.
• Take any prescribed medication unless instructed otherwise.
• If you are diabetic, a nurse will give you instructions related to your medication for that day.
• If you take Lasix or any other type of diuretic, you will be instructed not to take it until after the test is completed.
• If you are on any medications for seizures, please inform the nurse or technologist.
• All other medication should be taken on your usual schedule.
• Please remember to bring your insurance card, referral forms, prescription for the test, a current list of medications, and any requested x-rays, CT or MRI films.

Is PET/CT Safe?

You will be injected with a radioactive substance that has no effect on you. You will be able to resume normal activity. Medical experts have determined that the benefits of diagnostic testing outweigh the risks associated with radiation exposure.