What is it?
PET/CT stands for Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography and is a type of nuclear medicine imaging. These are two separate non-invasive tests that are combined to give your physician information about both the physiological and anatomical appearance of your body, resulting in a more comprehensive diagnosis.
PET captures functional images of very small changes in your body’s metabolism caused by the growth of abnormal cells, while CT images simultaneously allow physicians to measure the physical size, shape and precise location of the diseased tissue or tumor. When the results of the scans are fused together they provide more complete information than either test alone.
See a virtual tour of a PET / CT .
How is the test performed?
Patients may be asked to drink a cup of CT contrast for the scan. A nurse or technologist may obtain a small blood sample to check your blood sugar (glucose) level. Elevated glucose levels (over 200) will necessitate canceling the scan, as it can provide false results.
The nurse or technologist will then start an IV line that a patient will be given an injection of a small amount of radioactive sugar (FDG) through. Diabetic patients need not worry; it would take 1 million doses of FDG to equal the glucose in 1 teaspoon of sugar. You will be asked to rest quietly for about one hour as the tracer is distributed throughout your body. The IV line will be removed and you may drink another cup of CT contrast.
A staff member will escort you to the restroom to empty your bladder and ask you to remove any metal or possibly change into a hospital gown. The technologist will position you on the scanning bed as comfortably as possible. The CT will be done first and then you will be moved into the machine very slowly as the PET portion is acquired. The scan takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
More helpful information to prepare you for your PET/CT Scan
What can the test tell my doctor?
-- PET/CT is used to help diagnose a number of different diseases, including:
-- Brain abnormalities, such as tumors, memory disorders and seizures and other central nervous system disorders
-- Cancer
-- Coronary heart disease
-- Seizure disorders
A PET/CT scan can be used to map normal human brain and heart function. In cancer applications, PET/CT is used to diagnose cancer, stage its spread and determine if current therapy methods are working.
Are there risks?
Because the doses of radiotracer administered are small, diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures result in low radiation exposure, acceptable for diagnostic exams. As a result, the radiation risk is very low compared with the potential benefits. Nuclear medicine has been used for more than five decades, and there are no known long-term adverse effects from such low-dose exposure.
-- For more information on the risks and benefits of a PET scan, see the RadiologyInfo Web site.
-- For more information on the risks and benefits of a CT scan, see the RadiologyInfo Web site.
-- For more information on PET/CT scans at Sentara, read these Frequently Asked Questions.
PET/CT Scan Locations:
Advanced Imaging Center — BelleHarbour, Suffolk
Advanced Imaging Center — Princess Anne, Virgnia Beach
Lake Wright Comprehensive Cancer Center
Sentara CarePlex Hospital, Hampton
Sentara Obici Hospital, Suffolk
Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center
Sentara Advanced Imaging Center — Greenbrier, Chesapeake
PET/CT Direct Line: (757) 213-5791
Sources:
-- RadiologyInfo