PET/CT Scan
A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is an imaging test that helps reveal how your tissues and organs are functioning. A PET scan uses a radioactive drug (tracer) to show this activity. This scan can sometimes detect disease before it shows up on other imaging tests.
The tracer may be injected, swallowed or inhaled, depending on which organ or tissue is being studied. The tracer collects in areas of your body that have higher levels of chemical activity, which often correspond to areas of disease. On a PET scan, these areas show up as bright spots.
A PET scan is useful in revealing or evaluating several conditions, including many cancers, heart disease and brain disorders. Often, PET images are combined with CT or MRI scans to create special views.
Why it's done
A PET scan is an effective way to examine the chemical activity in parts of your body. It may help identify a variety of conditions, including many cancers, heart disease and brain disorders. The pictures from a PET scan provide information different from that uncovered by other types of scans, such as computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A PET scan or a combined CT-PET scan enables your doctor to better diagnose illness and assess your condition.
Risks
For your PET scan, a radioactive drug (tracer) will be put into your body. Because the amount of radiation you're exposed to is small, the risk of negative effects from it is low. But the tracer might:
- Cause a major allergic reaction, in rare instances
- Expose your unborn baby to radiation if you are pregnant
- Expose your child to radiation if you are breast-feeding
Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of a PET scan.
How you prepare
Tell your doctor:
- If you've ever had a bad allergic reaction
- If you've been sick recently or you have another medical condition, such as diabetes
- If you're taking any medications, vitamins or herbal supplements
- If you're pregnant or you think you might be pregnant
- If you're breast-feeding
- If you're afraid of enclosed spaces (claustrophobic)
Your doctor will give you detailed instructions on how to prepare for your scan. A general rule is to avoid strenuous exercise for a couple of days before the study and to stop eating a few hours before the scan.
What you can expect
The PET scanner is a large machine that looks a little like a giant doughnut standing upright, similar to a computerized tomography (CT) machine.
You'll need about two hours for the procedure. When you arrive for your scan, you may be asked to:
- Change into a hospital gown
- Empty your bladder
Then you will be given a radioactive drug (tracer). You may receive the drug by injection. You may briefly feel a cold sensation moving up your arm. You'll need to wait 30 to 60 minutes for the tracer to be absorbed by your body.
During the procedure
When you are ready, you'll lie on a narrow, padded table that slides into the scanner. During the scan you'll need to lie very still so that the images aren't blurred. It takes about 30 minutes to complete the test. The machine makes buzzing and clicking sounds.
The test is painless. If you're afraid of enclosed spaces, you may feel some anxiety while in the scanner. Be sure to tell the nurse or technologist about any anxiety causing you discomfort. He or she may give you a drug to help you relax.
In some cases you may have a CT and PET scan in the same machine during the same appointment. The CT scan will be done first and take about 10 minutes.
After the procedure
After the test you can carry on with your day as usual, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. You'll need to drink plenty of fluids to help flush the tracer from your body.
If you have any questions, please call 419-394-3335 ext. 3550 for assistance.