What is
Positron Emission Tomography with Computed Tomography (PET/CT)?
PET, or "Positron Emission Tomography" is a state-of-the-art
imaging technology that uses small amounts of radioactive
pharmaceuticals (radioisotopes) to make images of the human body
or disease process. Most procedures use a glucose (sugar)
labeled with a short-lived radioactive material. The
“functional” or “metabolic” information is then combined with CT
information for precise localization. Obtaining this
"functional" information gives the physician an excellent tool
in:
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Diagnosing both the presence and extent of disease. |
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Determining the appropriate methods of treatment or therapy.
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How
long does the procedure take?
The total time required will be 1-2 hours. After the
injection of the radiopharmaceutical, you will wait 30-40 minutes in
a comfortable environment for the material to circulate in your
body. The whole body imaging procedure will usually take about 20
minutes.
How do I prepare for the procedure?
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You SHOULD NOT eat or drink anything but water for 6 hours before
your exam. |
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Eat a low carbohydrate diet for 24 hours prior to your exam. |
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No vigorous exercise for 24 hours prior to your exam. |
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Medications can be taken on your normal schedule unless your
physician has directed you otherwise. |
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Special considerations are made for diabetic patients regarding
diet, insulin, and procedure preparation. |
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Please wear comfortable, warm clothing since the scan area is
maintained at a cool temperature for the equipment. In most
situations, clothing will not need to be removed. |
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Please bring your current health insurance ID information as well
as any other radiology exams (i.e., CT, MRI, X-ray) that you
have been instructed to bring. |
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Sedation is needed for certain exams. |
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You will be instructed to bring a family member or friend to drive
you home if sedation is required. |
Are there any side effects?
The radioactive pharmaceutical you will receive is very safe and
there are no known side effects. There is limited radiation exposure
involved that is similar to other Nuclear Medicine or Radiology
procedures.
Who will be performing my exam?
Alliance imaging provides mobile PET/CT services at Kootenai Medical
Center. An experienced Nuclear Medicine technologist will work
closely with the radiologist and clerical staff to provide the
highest quality service possible for your procedure.
How is the scan performed?
A short-lived radiopharmaceutical, specifically designed for use
with PET imaging, will be injected into your arm. The procedure will
begin after an "uptake period" of 30-40 minutes. There are no side
effects from the injection and you will be asked to rest quietly
during the "uptake period." The scan itself will take from 10
minutes to one hour depending on the type of examination being
ordered. You will be asked to lie comfortably on the imaging table
while the scanner detects the concentration of the glucose within
the body and generates an image by use of the computer. The amount
of time involved to complete your scan will depend on the type of
procedure your physician has ordered. The PET/CT staff will provide
you with this information at the time of your scan.
Who interprets PET/CT scans?
After completion of the exam, the technical staff will "process" the
information and prepare it for review. A radiologist, with extensive
training and experience in the field of Radiology/Nuclear Medicine,
will use a computer to analyze the images.
When will the results be available?
After completion of your exam, the technical staff will "process"
the information and prepare it for interpretation. A radiologist
with training and expertise in the field of PET and other
correlative imaging studies will usually complete the report the
same day. The report and images will be available to your physician
on the Stentor PACS system.
You MUST obtain your results through the physician that ordered your
exam.
If you have any other question please
click here to contact us.
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What does PET stand for? 
