What is a PET/CT study?

• PET/CT is the most advanced medical imaging technique available today. It combines Positron Emission Tomography and Computed Tomography into a single, fused study.

• This fused study provides the fine structural detail of CT with PET’s ability to detect changes in cell function. This often provides for earlier and more accurate detection of disease than either CT or PET study can provide.

• A PET/CT study helps your physician diagnose a problem, determine the best approach to treatment, and monitor your progress

How does PET/CT work?

• Cancer cells grow at a very fast rate.
• Growing cells use glucose as a primary source of energy. The faster cells grow, the more glucose they consume.
• A form of glucose called FDG, which emits particles called positrons, is injected before a PET/CT study is done.
• The FDG molecules are consumed more in fast­growing cancer cells than in normal cells, resulting in concentrations of FDG, and positrons, in areas of cancer.
• A PET/CT scanner detects where positrons are being emitted from within a patient and provides images that map those locations.
• When those PET FDG mappings are combined with CT images, the combined study provides a high level of structural and cell change detail. This detail allows for better detection of diseases as well as the precise location.

Preparing for your PET/CT Study

   

• For 6 hours before your test, do not eat or drink (except water). Do not even chew gum.
• Your last meal before the scan should be high in protein and low in carbohydrates. For example: Dinner: steak, baked chicken, fish, cheese, asparagus, broccoli, mushrooms. No pasta, potatoes, rice or bread. Breakfast: eggs, bacon, sausage. No breakfast should be eaten if you have an appointment before noon.
• Continue to take any medication prescribed by your physician. If you have been advised to take your medications with food, eat nothing more than a few soda crackers 4­8 hours prior to your exam.
• Avoid caffeine, sugar, tobacco and heavy exercise for 24 hours prior to your exam.
• If you are claustrophobic, please discuss this with your physician prior to the study.
• If you have diabetes, discuss this with your physician and then call ADI (717.­337.­5991) 48 hours before your scan.
• If you are, or think you may be pregnant, discuss this with your physician. Generally a PET/CT study is not performed on women who are pregnant.

What to bring

1. Your insurance cards and a picture ID.
2. Previous radiological studies.
3. Your signed doctor’s order, it should include your medical and pathological history.

What to wear

1. Wear warm, comfortable clothes, since the scanner room is cool.
2. Avoid clothes with heavy buckles or metal components. Do not wear jeans.

Arriving for your appointment

1. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
2. Allow 2 hours for the completion of your study.

Your PET/CT study

• After registering, you will go to a preparation area where a PET technologist will insert a small IV line into your arm.
• A small amount of FDG, a form of glucose, will be injected through the IV line. This is painless.
• You will rest quietly without speaking for 45 to 60 minutes to allow the FDG to distribute in your body.
• Your scan time will be approximately 45 to 60 minutes.

After your study

• You can leave immediately.
• Your activity will not be restricted. You may drive if you wish, resume your normal diet, exercise and take all prescribed medications.
• As an extra precaution, avoid getting close to an infant or anyone who is pregnant for eight hours immediately following the scan.
• Your study will be reviewed by our radiologist, who will send a report to your doctor.
• Your doctor will contact you about the results.

Cara, PET/CT technologist