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What is PET/CT?

It is a revolutionary machine that provides both PET and CT in the same piece of equipment, resulting in a combined effectiveness far superior to the individual capabilities of these two technologies. PET (Positron Emmison Tomography) will show metabolic processed that show a tumor and the activity within it. CT scanners are extremely accurate in anatomical detail, however do not show the metabolic process. The result of PET/CT is showing both the metabolic processes (PET) which indicate tumor growth in cancer patients as well as the actual anatomical location of a tumor (CT). This gives your doctor a more accurate idea as to what is malignantly growing and what isn't.

What are the benefits of PET/CT?

The benefits outweigh any risks associated with the procedure including x-rays and minimal exposure to the radioactivity. Knowing the specific location of any heightened metabolic activity aids greatly in obtaining an early diagnosis. Treatment decisions are profoundly impacted and the success of ongoing therapy can be followed closely which optimizes your chances for recovery.

How will this help my chances for recovery?

• Earlier diagnosis
• Know the extent of disease
• Verification of the exact location of disease
• Plan a precise treatment
• Monitor the effectiveness of treatment

Is PET/CT used in diagnosing other diseases?

PET/CT technology is most commonly used in the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of cancer patients. However recently we have begun using PET /CT in the evaluation of Alzheimer's disease. The technology allows diagnosis sooner than previously possible, making drug therapy an option in the earliest stages when the likelihood of slowing the disease is the greatest. As new and more effective medications are developed, early diagnosis will be increasingly critical to the care, treatment and well-being of our Alzheimer's patients.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Talk to your doctor about a PET/CT scan. As soon as we receive the referral from your physician we contact your insurance carrier to verify benefits and eligibility and to obtain pre-authorization. Once we have all the paperwork in place we contact you immediately to schedule the appointment and review any pre-test information with you and to answer any questions you may have. "Everything we do is about patient care." - Leslie Shoblo, PET Coordinator

How long will my scan take?

Allow approximately two hours for your appointment. The first part of your appointment is spent reviewing your medical history and taking vitals.

Will I get an injection?

A low level radiopharmaceutical will be injected into your forearm prior to the test. This pharmaceutical produces the image of the metabolic processes in your body. The agent has absolutely no side effects and is usually eliminated from the body within a few hours. Once you have received the injection you will lay quietly and rest for about an hour. The PET/CT scan follows.

What about my family member or friend that accompanies me?

During the first part of your appointment while reviewing your records and getting your vitals they may be with you. However once you have the injection we like you to rest alone. There is a waiting area in our PET/CT suite where they can watch TV, read and or relax. They will be there waiting for you once you have finished.

What happens during my scan?

During the scan you will be asked to lie as still as possible on the patient table, which moves slowly back and forth through the scanner while you lie quietly. Although times may vary, scans utilizing our new equipment rarely exceed 30 minutes. Most last as little as 15 minutes.

Are there side effects to this test?

You should not experience any side effects for this test. When the scan is completed you are free to leave our facility.

When will my physician have my results?

The results are read shortly after the test is completed and a comprehensive report is promptly conveyed to your referring physician usually within 24 hours. "From getting the paperwork ready to scheduling the appointment and conveying the results, we take it all on." -Shelley Page, CNMT Supervisor of PET Services.

I have diabetes what should I do?

Because a PET/CT scan measures metabolic activity, heightened blood sugar will skew the results of the scan and present an unreliable reading. Your blood sugar level must fall 150 or below on the morning of your appointment in order for you to have your scan. Please maintain a healthy diet prior to the test and monitor your blood sugar closely.