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PET/CT scans
PET/CT is an advanced diagnostic procedure that can detect specific diseases at an early stage. It is used to diagnose and manage disease. By using PET/CT scans, physicians can see any abnormalities of body organs and can identify areas of cancer throughout the body. The PET/CT technology combines the types of images obtained in PET and CT scans to allow medical staff to see both the function and the structures of the body. PET/CT is used to determine the location and severity of tumors, to help in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, dementia, strokes, seizures, and to study the condition of the heart.
How is a PET Scan Different from a CT or MRI Scan?
One of the main differences between PET scans and other imaging tests like CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is that the PET scan reveals the cellular-level metabolic changes occurring in an organ or tissue. This is important and unique because disease processes often begin with functional changes at the cellular level. A PET scan can often detect these very early changes, whereas a CT or MRI detect changes a little later as the disease begins to cause changes in the structure of organs or tissues.
PET/CT Prep Recommendations
Tell the scheduler and imaging staff:
- The names of medications you are taking
- If you are a diabetic
- If you are pregnant or nursing
- About your diet and exercise program
Bring the following with you:
- Insurance information
- Written order from your physician (the order may be faxed from your physician's office)
General Instructions for Non-Diabetics:
- Eat a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet the day before your scan.
- Avoid rigorous activity the day before your scan.
- Do not eat for four hours before your scheduled appointment time.
- Drink only plain water during this four hour period. (Do NOT drink Gatorade, Propel, etc.)
- Continue to take your regular medications if they can be tolerated on an empty stomach (ask your doctor if you have any questions).
- Dress warmly and comfortably.
- Do not chew gum or eat candy or cough drops on the day of your scan.
- You will need to be able to lie flat on your back for 20 to 30 minutes to complete the scan.
General Instructions for Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetics:
- Eat a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet the day before your scan.
- Avoid rigorous activity the day before your scan.
- Do not eat for four hours before your scheduled appointment time.
- Drink only plain water during this four hour period. (Do NOT drink Gatorade, Propel, etc.)
- Take your oral medication as prescribed. Continue to take your regular medications if they can be tolerated on an empty stomach (ask your doctor if you have any questions).
- Dress warmly and comfortably.
- Do not chew gum or eat candy or cough drops on the day of your scan.
- You will need to be able to lie flat on your back for 20 to 30 minutes to complete the scan.
General Instructions for Insulin-Dependent Diabetics:
- Eat a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet the day before your scan.
- Avoid rigorous activity the day before your scan.
- Do not eat for four hours before your scheduled appointment time.
- Drink only plain water during this four hour period. (Do NOT drink Gatorade, Propel, etc.)
- Take your oral medication as prescribed. Continue to take your regular medications if they can be tolerated on an empty stomach (ask your doctor if you have any questions).
- Dress warmly and comfortably.
- Do not chew gum or eat candy or cough drops on the day of your scan.
- You will need to be able to lie flat on your back for 20 to 30 minutes to complete the scan.
- Take your insulin as prescribed and monitor your glucose level. It needs to be under 200 for the exam to take place.
What to Expect
- After you arrive, your medical history will be taken. Your blood sugar will be checked, and you will receive an injection of an imaging tracer (fluorodeoxyglucose, or FDG). You will need to rest for about an hour to allow the FDG to be distributed throughout your body.
- When your scan begins, your technologist will position you on the padded scan table. The table will move smoothly into the large opening of the PET/CT scanner. You will be asked to lie still while the scanner acquires the images. Typically, the scan will take about 1 ½ to 2 hours, but the time may vary.
- If you become uncomfortable or need help, or if you have questions during the scan, just ask, and the staff will help you.
- After your PET/CT scan is done, a technologist will process the images, and a radiologist will interpret the images. The results will be forwarded to your referring physician.
- After you are discharged, your body will retain the radioactive material for about 12 hours. During this time, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and avoid contact with children under 5 years old or pregnant women.
Our Locations
Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center
150 Kingsley Lane
Norfolk, VA 23505
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Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital
2 Bernardine Drive
Newport News, Virginia 23602
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Bon Secours Health Center at Harbour View
5818 Harbour View Boulevard
Suffolk, Virginia 23435
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and directions
If you have questions please call us at 889-CARE (2273).
