PET is an acronym for Positron Emission Tomography. PET is a test that uses special imaging cameras and a radioactive sugar to produce pictures of the function and metabolism of the cells in the body.
CT stands for Computerized Tomography. CT is an x-ray test that generates a detailed view of the anatomy or structures of organs and tissues in the body.
A PET/CT scan combines both technologies using a single machine. By combining these two technologies, physicians can more accurately evaluate both the body’s metabolism and structure.
Here at Central Virginia Imaging our PET/CT scanner is ACR accredited, an honor we are quite proud to have achieved. There are strict guidelines and regulations that we are required to maintain this accreditation and we encourage you to visit the ACR’s website to appreciate our high standards of care. http://www.acr.org/accreditation/accreditedFacilitySearch.aspx
How Long Will it Take?
Although the images only take 20-40 minutes, you can expect to be at our imaging center for 2- 2.5 hours.
Why Do I need a PET/CT?
PET/CT is a powerful imaging technique that holds great promise in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases. This single exam allows your physician to examine your entire body at once. PET/CT provides a more complete picture, making it easier for your doctor to diagnose problems, determine the extent of disease, prescribe treatment, and track progress. PET/CT not only aids in the diagnosis of suspicious findings but monitors the success of therapy, detects any recurrent tumors, and accesses tumor aggressiveness.
Preparing for your PET/CT
There is very little preparation needed for a PET/CT exam. You must not eat anything 6 hours prior to the exam. You may drink WATER ONLY prior to the study. Do not take fluid pills the morning of your exam. You may take all other medications with water. Please bring a copy of your current medication for our records. If you eat 6 hours prior, please only eat food low in carbohydrates and no sugars, (Ex. Eggs and bacon with water. NO toast, NO cream, NO sugar added to coffee, NO fruit juice, and NO fruit.
- Diabetics: You may eat a small meal 4 hours prior to the exam and then take your medication (insulin or oral medication). Please monitor your glucose levels prior to arriving for this exam. Glucose levels MUST be below 150.
- Other considerations: Please avoid strenuous activity/ exercise 24 hours prior to the exam. Please wear comfortable clothing. Please do not wear any jewelry and leave all valuables either at home or locked in your vehicle. Please do not bring children or expecting mothers with you to your appointment as you are injected with a minimal amount of radioactive sugar.
- Attention: it is very important that you arrive on time for your exam! A $250.00 dose of medicine/ isotope will be ordered especially for you and CANNOT be returned to the pharmacy.
Please note that if you do not complete your exam or if you fail to cancel by 12pm the day prior to your scheduled appointment, insurance will not pay for the cost of the isotope since no services were rendered and you are responsible for this payment.
What to expect?
Prior to the exam, you will receive a small injection of a radioactive sugar (FDG). You will then be asked to rest quietly for approximately 60-90 minutes while the FDG collects throughout your body.
After this time, the technologist will assist you to the scanner. The CT portion of the test is completed first, followed by the PET portion. It is important you do not move for the duration of the scan, which may take anywhere from 20-40 minutes. Although the images only take 20-40 minutes, you can expect to be at our imaging center for 2- 2.5 hours.
After the Procedure
- After a study is completed, the images are stored in a computer system called PACS (Picture Archiving & Communications System). Your referring doctor can access these images online and review them with you in their office.
- Our Board Certified Radiologist will review your images and have the results faxed to your referring physician promptly.
- You may obtain a copy of your results from your referring physician. Only the patient can physically acquire them from our Imaging Center after showing proof of identity. This is in effort to protect not only your privacy but to reduce medical identity theft.
