Positron emission tomography (PET-CT) imaging is a powerful imaging technique that combines the metabolic and physiological insights from PET scans with the anatomical detail of CT scans to detect and monitor a range of diseases including cancer.

What it entails:

Before a PET-CT scan, patients receive a small intravenous dose of radioactive PET tracer. Various PET tracers are used to diagnose and evaluate different diseases, including cancer, inflammation and neurological disorders.

The patient lies on a table that moves through a donut-shaped PET-CT scanner. This scanner has two components: one to detect location and intensity of PET tracer in the body, and one to emit and detect x-ray beams from different angles around the body. Computer processing of this information allows detailed images to be generated.

 

 

 

 

Benefits of PET-CT:

  • Comprehensive Imaging: PET-CT provides both anatomical and functional information. The CT component offers detailed images of the body's tissues and organs, while the PET component demonstrates tissue and organ function, highlighting areas of abnormal activity.
  • Early Detection and Diagnosis: PET-CT can detect changes at the cellular level, allowing for earlier diagnosis of diseases such as cancer, often before they are visible on other imaging tests.
  • Accurate Staging: PET-CT is used to stage cancers by showing the extent and spread of the disease. This aids in determining the best treatment strategy and predicting prognosis.
  • Broad Applications: PET-CT is used in orthopaedics to evaluate bones and joints, in cardiology to assess heart diseases, and in neurology for evaluating brain disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and other neurological conditions.
  • Non-invasive and Painless: PET-CT is non-invasive, well tolerated, and typically does not require any recovery time.      

     

 

 

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Preparing for the scan

Before your PET-CT scan you will receive detailed instructions on how to prepare. Following these instructions is essential for the quality of your scan. If you have any concerns or questions regarding preparation or the scan procedure, please do not hesitate to discuss them with our friendly team or your healthcare provider. Whilst time required varies with scan type, you can expect to be with us for up to two hours.

 

Clothing and accessories: Wear comfortable clothing to your appointment. You may be asked to change into a gown for the scan. If possible, leave valuables at home. You will be asked to remove any objects that may interfere with the scan, including jewellery, eyeglasses, dentures or hairpins, piercings, clothing containing metal zippers or buttons and bras containing metal underwires.

 

Medical history and medications: 

  • Inform your healthcare provider and our team of any allergies. 
  • At your appointment, you will be asked questions regarding your medical history, such as heart disease, asthma, kidney disease or thyroid conditions.
  • Please bring a complete list of medications you are taking to your appointment. Please continue to take all your medication unless instructed otherwise.
  • If you have diabetes, you may receive specific instructions regarding diet and medications before your scan.

 

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Please let our team know if you are or think you could be pregnant, or if you are currently breastfeeding.

During your scan

The nuclear medicine technologist will administer the PET tracer intravenously. You will then rest for up to an hour to allow the PET tracer to be distributed appropriately. The technologist will position you on the PET-CT exam table, usually lying flat on your back. The technologist explains the procedure, answering any questions you may have.

Your scan may include intravenous contrast, which provides additional information, enabling the PET-CT radiologist to make an accurate diagnosis.

During the scan, the table will move in and out of the scanner several times as the images are acquired. We may give you instructions to follow, such as breathing in and holding your breath.

Radiation exposure: PET-CT scans involve exposure to ionising radiation, which carries a small risk of potential harm. However, the benefits of PET-CT imaging in diagnosing or monitoring serious medical conditions generally outweigh the potential risks. The amount of radiation exposure during a PET-CT scan is typically moderate and varies depending on the type of exam and body part being scanned. Our team is able to give you more specific information relevant to your scan if required.

After your scan

If you have received intravenous contrast, we will ask you to stay with us for an additional 10 minutes to ensure your safety. We will then remove your intravenous line.

Please let our team know in the unlikely event that you experience any unusual symptoms during or after the examination.

The amount of radioactivity administered during a PET-CT scan is small. However, because it takes a few hours to leave your body, we suggest you minimise contact with others (especially children and pregnant women) for four hours following your scan.

You can resume your normal activities and diet after the examination. Drink plenty of fluids for the rest of the day, as this will help clear any remaining tracer from your body.

Our team of PET-CT radiologists will thoroughly examine your scan and produce a report. This will be sent to your healthcare provider as soon as possible. You may also request a copy of your results.