What is PET/CT and how does it work?

PET/CT combines Positron Emission Tomography (PET) with Computed Tomography (CT) technology to aid in the diagnosis of cancer. PET/CT is also a valuable tool for determining the extent to which cancer has spread and how a patient is responding to treatment. In addition, PET can be used to evaluate patients with cardiac and neurological disorders such as seizures and dementia. PET is a nuclear medicine test that uses special imaging cameras and a radioactive solution called FDG (Flurodeoxyglucose) to create very clear pictures of cell metabolism. CT uses X-rays to provide detailed information about the location, size, and shape of lesions or growths in the body. When combined in a single machine, the two techniques provide accurate, specific information about where abnormalities are located and whether they are cancerous.

What happens during your PET/CT scan?

• Your medical history will be reviewed with you prior to starting the exam. Your blood sugar level will be checked by a finger stick to ensure your glucose is at a normal level. The technologist will then administer an injection which contains the FDG solution which will highlight the cells being examined.
• You will wait for about one hour as the solution distributes itself throughout your body.
• Unless you are having a scan of the brain, you can usually read or listen to music while waiting for your scan to begin. If you are having a brain scan, we'll ask you to wait in a quiet, dimly lit room to avoid stimulating your brain.
• You will be asked to remove any metal from the part of your body being scanned.
• We will take images as you lie still in the scanner.
• You will be able to communicate with the technologist throughout the procedure.
• The scan usually lasts between 30 and 45 minutes.

What happens when the exam is complete?

• You may leave immediately after your PET/CT scan and resume your normal activities.
• You should drink plenty of fluids, especially water, for the next 24 hours to help flush the FDG from your body.
• The radiologist will review your scans and send the results to your physician. If urgent findings are uncovered, the results will be called into your physician immediately.