A PET/CT scanner detects positrons (subatomic particles)
given out by a radionuclide in the organ or tissue being
examined. The radionuclides used in PET scans are chemical
substances such as glucose (sugar), carbon, or oxygen that
are used naturally by the particular organ or tissue being
studied. Before you go into the scanner, a tiny amount of a
radioactive substance is attached to the particular chemical
required, making it visible by the PET machine. As the
radionuclide breaks down, it emits positrons, which create
gamma rays. The PET scanner detects the gamma rays and the
attached computer analyzes the information to create an
image map of the organ or tissue being studied. The amount
of radionuclide collected in the tissue affects how brightly
the tissue appears on the image and indicates the health of
the organ or tissue studied.
Do not eat for at least four hours before your exam since
the results of your test are affected by your blood sugar
level. If you are diabetic, please notify our staff so we
may give you special instructions.
Drink 24 to 32 ounces of water before your appointment time:
being well-hydrated is important for your health at all
times, but especially during a PET exam. Do not perform any
heavy lifting or exercise the day before or the day of your
PET scan. Wear comfortable clothing that may be easily
removed for the scan.
If you require pain medication or relaxants to stay still
during the scan, please tell our staff when your appointment
is scheduled and when you arrive for your appointment, and
bring the medication with you.
Please download and fill out this form and bring it in with
you to your appointment. If you have had any imaging tests
before this appointment, such as CT or MRI, be sure to let
us know so we may review the previous images with your
PET/CT scan.
Allow about two hours total time for your appointment,
although we値l try to take less of your time if we can. When
you arrive for a PET/CT scan, you may be asked to remove any
clothing, jewelry, or other objects that may interfere with
the scan. (If you need one, you値l be given a gown to wear.)
You値l then be asked to use the bathroom to empty your
bladder. Your blood sugar will be tested and an IV will be
started in your hand or arm.
You値l receive a small amount of a safe, radioactive sugar
via the IV. You値l then be asked to wait very quietly in a
seated area, as inactive as possible for 30 minutes to an
hour. The injection will not affect others around you; the
radionuclide emits less radiation than a standard x-ray.
After the radionuclide has been absorbed for the appropriate
length of time, you値l lie down on the scanner bed and the
scan will begin. As you lie perfectly still, the scanner
will move slowly over the body part being studied. The
length of time between scans can vary depending on the body
areas being studied, typically between 30 minutes to an
hour. When the scan has been completed, the IV line will be
removed.
After you leave, the technologist will complete the
processing of your examination. When the study is complete
and comparison exams are obtained, the radiologist will
interpret the study and send a written report to your
physician.
If you have any questions about your PET procedure that have
not been answered here, please call our office at
812-333-7676.
