PET/CT combines the functional information (how your body’s systems
are functioning) from a PET scan with the anatomical information (what
your body’s organs look like) from a CT scan into 1 exam. These
can be used to view any metabolic changes in your body that may be taking
place before any physical changes happen. PET/CT can help your provider
make an early cancer diagnosis and then choose a course of treatment.
You will receive an injection of a small amount of radioactive material
in a vein in your arm prior to the test to help evaluate the body’s
functions better.
Preparation
Do not eat or drink anything except water for 4 hours before your exam
if you are diabetic and for 6 hours before your exam if you are not diabetic.
The meal prior to your exam should be high in protein and low in carbohydrates.
Drink 32 oz. of water 1-2 hours before your exam. You can take your morning
medications with water and a few soda crackers if needed. Do not use nicotine
or chew gum the day of your test. Avoid strenuous activity for 23 hours
before your exam. Try not to wear any clothing with metal on it when you
arrive for your exam.
Important things to tell your technologist:
If you are pregnant
Any previous exams of the area being tested
Any previous surgeries of the area being tested
If you are diabetic
Symptoms you are having
Any allergies you may have
Some specific reasons this test may be used:
To determine the presence or spread of cancer
Note: The imaging staff is trained to acquire images for a radiologist to review.
The radiologist is specially trained to look at x-ray studies and make
a diagnosis off of them. The imaging staff is not fully trained to do
so, therefore we will not be able to give you results at the time of your exam.
