The fusion of two sophisticated scanning technologies, positron emission tomography and computed tomography, PET/CT shows both metabolic function and anatomical detail in a single exam. This integration provides more accurate information for diagnosing the presence and extent of disease, prescribing treatment and tracking therapy progress.

PET/CT is one of the most powerful diagnostic tools available today for detecting diseases before anatomical changes or medical symptoms occur. Its imaging capabilities permit accurate diagnosis, staging and monitoring for a variety of cancers. In addition, PET/CT provides important diagnostic information on heart disease and neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

PET/CT Exam Guidelines

Preparation

• Prior to your scheduled appointment, Washington Imaging Service (WIS) will call you to discuss specific instructions, review your health and insurance information and answer any questions.
• For your convenience, print out and complete the appropriate Patient Forms, including Patient Registration and Patient History. Bring them with you to your appointment.
• If you’ve had an allergic reaction to a contrast agent in any prior imaging exam, please notify our staff before your appointment.
• DO NOT do any strenuous activities, heavy lifting or exercise 24 hours prior to your exam. Excessive muscular activity may interfere with the interpretation of your study.
• Continue to take prescribed medications (with water) on the day of the exam, unless instructed otherwise by your physician.
• Do not eat or drink anything except water for at least 12 hours prior to the exam as test results are affected by your blood sugar. Also, do not chew gum. Please follow a protein diet with no carbohydrates for 24 hours prior to beginning your PET/CT exam preparation. (Click here for dietary suggestions.)
• Be well hydrated; drink plenty of water the day before and the day of your exam.
• If you are a diabetic, please notify our staff to obtain special instructions.
• If you take insulin to control your diabetes, you will be scheduled for an early morning appointment since you must withhold taking your insulin prior to the exam.
• Please bring all of your prior examination films or studies (CT, MRI, ultrasound, PET, etc.) with you on the day of your exam.
• Wear warm, comfortable clothing free of metal zippers, snaps, etc.
• Leave your valuables at home. All jewelry, hair pins and clips must be removed prior to the exam.
• Patients weighing over 400 pounds, or females who are pregnant or breast feeding cannot be scanned.
• Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your exam.

Note: A radiopharmaceutical FDG has to be prepared specifically for your exam procedure the day of the study. If you cannot keep your appointment, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance, otherwise you may be charged the $350.00 fee for the FDG dose.


What to Expect During the Exam

• PET/CT exams are completely painless with no side effects.
• When you arrive, our PET/CT Technologist will discuss the procedure with you and answer any questions.
• Plan on spending a total of 2-3 hours at WIS. The actual scan takes approximately 20-40 minutes. The scan may be longer if your doctor has ordered one or more contrast CT scans to accompany your PET/CT scan.
• Your blood sugar will be tested and if the levels are acceptable, the procedure will begin.
• A small IV will be started in your arm for an injection of a small amount of radioactive glucose or sugar. (Technically called a radiopharmaceutical FDG—a fluoride radioisotope bound up to a high molecular weight glucose.)
• You will rest in a special quiet area for 45 minutes to 1 hour as the FDG circulates throughout the body.
• After emptying your bladder, you will lie down on a comfortable scanner bed.
• The table will move slowly through the donut-shaped PET/CT scanner as it acquires the information needed to generate diagnostic images.
• You will be asked to lie still and breathe normally during the scan because movement can interfere with results.
• Your PET/CT will be reviewed to make certain that all images are complete and no delay imaging is required.
• After your scan, you will get up from the scanner bed and check out with the receptionist.

What to Expect After the Exam

• You may leave as soon as the exam is completed.
• If you were given Valium before or during the scan, you will need someone to drive you home.
• Your normal activity and eating habits may be resumed.
• Drinking plenty of water and other fluids after the exam will help flush the FDG from your body.
• Your PET/CT scan will be interpreted by an OIA board certified radiologist with specialized training in PET/CT imaging.
• Your referring physician will receive a report and pictures detailing the findings of your exam within 48 hours. You should contact your doctor to discuss the results.