Commonly referred to as PET, positron emission tomography is an examination that allows the physician to study the abnormalities of the heart and brain, as well as identify primary and metastatic disease. With its unique imaging technique, PET is capable of detecting certain diseases at an early stage in cellular functioning. A PET scan will provide information that can be used in the planning and management of care, in determining therapy and progress to therapy.
Why am I having a PET?
The physician may have ordered a PET for one of the following reason:
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Oncology to determine the location, diagnosis, staging and treatment.
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Neurology to aid in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, stroke, brain tumors, and seizures.
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Cardiology to determine the viability of the heart and myocardial perfusion.
How is a PET scan scheduled?
Your physician orders the PET scan from United Radiology. One of our staff will contact you to
schedule the appointment and finalize all the details and instructions.
To ensure the best possible results, please carefully follow these instructions. When scheduling your
PET scan, inform the PET imaging staff if:
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You are taking any medication.
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You are diabetic.
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You are pregnant or nursing.
Also:
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Fast at least 6 hours prior to your appointment. Other details may be given at the time of scheduling.
On the day of the exam
Due to the nature of the medication used for your test it is very important
you arrive on time
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Please bring the following important information:
- Your insurance card and forms
- Please bring prior diagnostic PET films and reports
- Any other imaging reports, including x-ray, CT or MRI
- The doctor’s prescription
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Wear warm, comfortable clothing.
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Plan to spend approximately two hours at United Radiology. Exam times and procedures vary with each patient
Upon arrival
Our staff strive to make you as comfortable as possible when you arrive
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First a medical history and any prior PET exams will be reviewed.
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Blood sugar level may be checked depending on the test.
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An imaging tracer will then be administered by way of injection.
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A brief resting or quiet period will be required before the scanning begins. This resting period is necessary for the radiotracer to be distributed throughout
your body.
Description of procedure
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The technologist will position you lying on the scan table.
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The table will be moved into a large opening in the PET scanner.
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You will be asked to lie quietly and relax while the PET scanner acquires the images.
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The time of the scan varies with but typically ranges from 40—60 minutes.
Upon scan completion
Once the test is completed you can resume your normal activities. When you leave the
following will happen:
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The technologist will first process the computer images.
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The radiologist will then interpret these images and report them to your physician.
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Typically results will be finished in 24–48 hours.
