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Scheduling Phone : 877-689-5713

Scheduling Fax : 800-508-1064

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» PET/CT Exam - Patient Info & Prep

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» NOPR Pre-PET Form

» NOPR Pre-PET F-18 Fluoride Form

» FDG Indications

What is a PET/CT Scan?

PET is an acronym for Positron
Emission Tomography. PET is a
test that uses special imaging
cameras and a radioactive type
of sugar to produce pictures of
the function and metabolism of
the cells in the body.

CT stands for Computerized
Tomography. CT is an x-ray test
that generates a detailed view
of the anatomy or structure of
organs and tissues in the body.
The CT scan can show the
dimension of vessels, lymph
nodes and organ systems.

A PET/CT scan depicts both
technologies using a single machine.
It provides a picture of function (PET),
a picture of anatomy (CT) and a
merged picture of both the body’s
metabolism and structure.

Exam Preparation

All Patients

Do not to eat 6 hrs prior to the appointment
May drink water, but no other liquids
Do not have any caffeine, gum, cough drops or mints
May take regularly scheduled medications if they can be tolerated on an empty stomach
No strenuous exercise 24 hours before your appointment
Wear warm, loose-fitting clothing (i/e. sweats, flannel shirt, etc.)
Please do not wear any jewelry

Non-Insulin Dependent Patients:

Take oral medications
Have light breakfast
May drink water, but no other liquids
Bring glucometer with you to the appointment

Insulin Dependent Patients:

Take insulin
Eat a regular meal 4 hours prior to appointment
May drink water, but no other liquids
Bring glucometer with you to the appointment

The Exam

Prior to the exam you will receive a small injection of radioactive sugar (FDG). You will be asked to sit or lay down on a comfortable chair or bed for about 45 minutes while the FDG travels throughout your body.

After this time, the technologist will assist you to the scanner. The CT portion of the exam is completed first followed by the PET portion. You may be asked to hold your breath for several seconds while the CT scan is performed. The technologist will tell you if this is needed.

It is important that you don’t move for the duration of the exam. The length of the exam is determined by your height and area of interest. Expect to spend approximately 2 hours for your exam, but most of this time is spent preparing for the scan. Most PET/CT scans are typically completed within 20-40 minutes.

When the total scan is finished, the computers will produce images for the radiologist to review.

After the Exam

Once the total scan has been performed you may resume daily activity. Even though the FDG will quickly leave your body, you can expedite the process by drinking plenty of water after your scan is complete.

Your PET/CT images will be read by the reading physician and sent to your referring physician with all the pertinent information.

Consult your physician prior to your PET/CT scan if...

You are or may be pregnant,
You are allergic to any food or drugs,
You are currently being treated for an infection,
You are unsure if you should take your medications, or
You have had recent radiation therapy.