PET-CT PROCESS

In diseased states, the composition of an individual’s tissues and cells changes. In cancer, for example, cells multiply at a much faster rate than normal cells by feeding on glucose.

If an individual has cancer or cancer is suspected, a nuclear medicine specialist performs a PET scan to see exactly what is going on inside that person’s body.

During a PET scan, a patient is injected with a very small amount of a radiotracer such as fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), which contains a radioactive form of glucose. The radiotracer travels through the body and is absorbed by the tissues or the organ being studied. The patient then lies down on a scanner table and the PET scanner receive signals emitted by the injected radiotracer. Using these signals, the PET scanner measures glucose activity and a computer creates an image out of the data received.

PET-CT Patient Preparation

• Nothing by mouth (NPO) except water for 6 hours prior to your appointment.
• The patient may only drink water that morning. Take all necessary medicines only with water.
• Low carbohydrate intake during last night’s meal.
• Refrain from exercise for 24-48 hours prior to the test.
• If you are diabetic, and on insulin, ask for an afternoon appointment. (to have early breakfast)
• Bring insulin and all medicines to the clinic.
• Please inform us if you are claustrophobic. Bring a ride/driver along.
• Although the actual scan time is typically 20 minutes, expect to spend approximately 2 hours at our facility for your PET-CT scan.
• Wear warm clothes, since the scanner room is cold.