Radiology Group | Exam Descriptions | PET (Positron Emission Tomography)

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PET (Positron Emission Tomography)
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A PET scan is very different from other imaging exams. It creates diagnostic images that evaluate body function and metabolism and detects biochemical processes that may suggest disease before anatomical changes can be seen with x-ray, CT or MRI. The value of a PET scan is enhanced when it is used for comparison with x-ray, CT or MRI.

PET scans may be performed on the whole body and are most often used to detect cancer and to monitor cancer therapy. A PET scan of the heart is used to determine function and blood flow to the heart muscle, identify coronary artery disease, and determine damaged areas of the heart as a result of prior heart attack. A PET scan of the brain is used to evaluate patients who have memory disorders, suspected or proven brain tumors or seizure disorders that are have been unresponsive to medical therapy.

A PET scan requires a small amount of radioactive tracer (i.e., fluoro-deoxyglucose) to be injected into your bloodstream. The tracer is used to highlight abnormalities and appears as a very dark image on the TV-like monitor.

Prior to the scan there will be a waiting time of approximately one hour to allow the tracer to be distributed throughout your body. There is no danger or side effect from this tracer and the radiation exposure is similar to what you might receive from a CT scan. The radioactivity is very short-lived and your radiation exposure is low. The amount of tracer used is so small that it does not affect the normal processes of the body.

During the scan you will lie on a padded table that will move you in and out of the donut-shaped PET scanner. The table will move into the open center of the donut. The scanner records the amount of energy your body releases from the radioactive substance as it creates a diagnostic image that is displayed on a computer monitor.

In order to obtain the best images possible, you will be asked to lie very still during the scanning. You will be alone in the room during the scan, however, the technologist can see, hear and speak with you at all times.

Because a PET scan involves radiation, inform your Technologist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Because the radioactive tracer decays quickly and is effective for only a short period of time, it is important to be on time for the exam and to receive the tracer at the scheduled time.
Your doctor will instruct you regarding the use of medications before the exam.
Do not eat anything 4 hours before to your exam. Avoid caffeine and sugar the day of your exam. Do not chew gum. Also avoid cough drops, breath mints and hard candy.
Drink plenty of water. It is important that you be well hydrated prior to your arrival for your test.
Avoid strenuous activity or exercise for 72 hours prior to your scan.
Inform your Technologist if you are diabetic. You may need to follow specific diet guidelines to control glucose levels during the day of your exam.
You may wear glasses, dentures, hearing aids, and comfortable clothes for your exam.

A PET scan takes approximately 2 to 3 hours from the time you arrive at the facility until you leave. The actual scan time is 60 minutes. When the exam is completed you may be asked to wait until the Radiologist determines if more images are required.

A Radiologist (a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing disease and injury using medical imaging technology) analyzes and interprets your exam within 24 hours. He/she dictates a Report of the findings and sends it to your physician. Your physician's office will inform you of your results. Due to the number of patients your physician serves, it may be 7 to 10 days before he/she is prepared to respond to your Report. To reduce waiting time, please bring copies of previous scans if your exam is for the same area being imaged.

It is not possible for our office to determine individual coverage. Coverage for imaging tests is variable and depends on your insurance carrier, your plan, any exclusions, and sometimes the reasons for the examination. Prior to undergoing any imaging test, please call the number on the back of your insurance card to determine if it will be covered.

Contact us at (563) 359-3931.
For information on this exam, please visit www.radiologyinfo.com.

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