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WHAT IS A PET/CT?
PET/CT combines the fine structural detail of CT with PET’s ability to detect changes in cell function. This combination allows for earlier and more accurate detection of disease than either CT or PET alone. PET/CT can often detect small cancers before they are apparent on other types of exams because many cancers use glucose as their primary fuel. PET/CT images supplement the information obtained from conventional studies such as CT, MRI, and Ultrasound.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
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After a finger-stick to obtain your blood glucose level, a small intravenous catheter will be inserted into a vein in your arm. You will then rest confortably in a quiet room while the radioactive tracer is injected. The tracer, fluorine 18-fluorodeoxy-glucose (FDG), is a radioactive sugar that is used by your cells as fuel. The FDG is allowed to circulate throughout your body during a 45 minute uptake period. The small amounts of tracer that are used do not have any side effects. You will then be placed on a table in the PET/CT scanner, where you will rest comfortably for the remainder of the study. Detectors are then used to locate areas of increased accumulation of the tracer compared to normal tissues. The scanner makes very little noise. Depending on the particular type of exam, you may be required to place your arms above your head during the imaging process. Scan time varies depending upon your doctor's request; the average scan time is 45 minutes.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?
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You will need to fast for four hours before your scheduled exam appointment.
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Tell your doctor if you are diabetic, as you may require special arrangements.
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Avoid nicotine, caffeine, sugar, and vigorous exercise for 24 hours before your exam and try to drink extra water.
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You should continue all other medications prescribed by your doctor unless informed otherwise.
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You should wear comfortable clothing and avoid any clothing with metal. Any metal objects such as earrings, eyeglasses, or hairpins should also be removed.
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Women should always inform their technologist if there is any possibility of pregnancy.
HOW DO I GET THE RESULTS?
After your exam is over, the images will be evaluated by one of our board-certified radiologists with expertise in PET/CT imaging. A final report will be sent to your doctor, who can then discuss the results with you in detail.
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