PET/CT- Molecular Imaging

WHAT IS A PET/CT

Pet/CT Scan Chesapeake Medical Imaging Positron-emission tomography is a nuclear medicine functional imaging technique that is used to observe the metabolic processes in the body as an aid to diagnosis and disease. It uses tracers to show activity within the body on a cellular level. PET/CT scanners offer the latest imaging technology and advanced functionality to help clinicians find and characterize disease, as well as follow patient progress during and after treatment to endure therapeutic efficacy. PET/CT scanners combine the power of hybrid imaging in one exam to enable physicians to more accurately detect and pinpoint disease.

WHAT TO EXPECT AND HOW TO PREPARE TO HAVE A PET/CT

You must adhere to the specific preparation instructions of your ordered exam. It is recommended that you wear comfortable warm clothes; you may be asked to change into a gown. Leave valuables at home, such as jewelry or a watch, so they don’t get misplaced. You may need to remove anything that contains metal, such as eyeglasses, dentures, or hearing aides, during the test.

An intravenous (IV) line will be placed into a vein. It will take approximately 30 to 90 minutes for the substance to travel through the body. During that time, you will need to remain still and relaxed. Our facilities offer a comfortable relaxing climate controlled environment for you during this uptake time.

When the substance has traveled all over your body, it will be time to start the scan. You will be asked to lie on your back on the exam table. The technologist will position you for optimal imaging while making you as comfortable as possible. The machine is large with a table and round body that has a donut-shaped hole in the middle. When the exam starts, the table slides through the hole. You maybe moved back and forth to ensure appropriate positioning and images. You maybe asked to hold your breath to prevent blurry pictures from the movement of breathing.

The total duration of the exam will vary, but on an average is about 2 hours.

After your PET-CT scan you can return to your usual diet and activities. You are encouraged to drink a lot of water to flush the tracer out of your body. The results will be interpreted by a Radiologist and a report will be sent to your doctor.

WHEN IS PET/CT USED

Three different imaging scans PET scan is most commonly used in identifying cancer, to follow cancer treatment, neurology (brain disorders), and cardiology (heart disorders). It shows not only what an organ looks like, but also how it is functioning.

Combined with CT, a PET scan can produce multidimensional, detailed color images of the inside workings of the human body. A PET scan is used to diagnose certain health conditions, to plan treatment, to find out how an existing condition is developing and to see how effective a treatment is.

PET scans are also often used to investigate epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease.

PET/CT scan of the brain