Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography (PET/CT)

A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is an imaging test that uses a small amount of radioactive material, known as radioactive tracers, to assess metabolic activity (chemical reactions) within organs and tissues in the body. When a PET scan is combined with a CT scan — which can provide detailed information about the location, size and shape of lesions or tumors in the body — your doctor can more effectively diagnose and treat your illness.

Conditions commonly diagnosed and managed with PET/CT scans include:

• Alzheimer’s disease and other memory-related conditions
• Cancer
• Heart disease and other cardiac issues
• Neurological disorders such as stroke, brain tumors and epilepsy
• Infection and inflammation

When you arrive for your scan, our imaging technologist will ask you a series of questions about your medical history and any medications you are taking. Please let them know if you’re breastfeeding or think you may be pregnant.

Next, the technologist will give you an IV that contains a radioactive tracer. It’s important you receive the tracer at the scheduled time because it’s only effective for a short period of time.

The level of radiation released by the tracer is low. The only side effect may be soreness or swelling at the IV site, which tends to be a rare occurrence. You will not be able to feel the tracer in your body. Once the IV has been started, you will need to remain seated while the tracer spreads throughout your body, which typically takes between 45 to 60 minutes.

During the scan, you will lie on a padded table, which will slide into a tube-shaped machine. It’s important to remain still for the entire examination, with your arms above your head while laying down, which may be uncomfortable. Patients who are claustrophobic may feel some anxiety while positioned in the scanner. The scanning portion of the exam typically takes 35 to 45 minutes. (For patients with melanoma, this portion of the exam may exceed an hour.)

In total, patients should expect about to spend about 90 minutes to two hours at their appointment. Our imaging technologists will guide you through the entire process and answer any questions you have before the exam begins.

• Follow instructions for your appointment. When you make your appointment, our care team will explain your particular procedure and provide detailed instructions. You may be asked to limit food and fluids before the test. Do not exercise or engage in heavy physical activity for at least 24 hours beforehand.
• Follow guidance for diabetes medications and care items. Do not take insulin or oral diabetes medications the morning of the test. (Take other medications as usual.) Bring diabetes medications with you to your test as well as your home glucometer. If you have diabetes, ask your care team about dietary guidelines to control glucose levels on the day of the test.
• Bring list of medications and be prepared to discuss medical history. Please prepare a list of prescription and nonprescription medications. Your technologist will also ask you questions about your medical history and any recent treatments you’ve had, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery.
• Wear comfortable clothing. Please avoid wearing clothing with metal buttons or zippers. You will need to remove any jewelry that might interfere with the scan.
• Arrange child care and transportation. For the safety of you and your children, please do not bring them to your appointment. If you are unable to arrange child care, please reschedule your appointment.

Once the exam is finished, you may resume your regular diet and medication regimen. Drink a lot of water after the scan to help flush the tracer out of your body.

A radiologist, a physician who specializes in interpreting medical imaging, will analyze the results and send a report to your health care provider. You can also view your results in MyChart once they are available.

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