• Click here for a printable version of this document in PDF format.
• Click here for a printable version of this document in Microsoft Word format.

Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT SCAN)

What is a PET/CT scan?

Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) is a diagnostic test. It can be used to examine organs such as the heart and brain. It can also look at body tissues such as lymph nodes. Rather than showing the structure of a body part, PET/CT images show the chemical function of an organ or tissue and can shoe changes in how an organ or tissue works. The Computed Tomography function of the exam enables the physician to see the organs and tissues of the body from three different dimensions. This can help your physician diagnose problems and develop a treatment plan for you.

How do I get ready for my PET/CT scan?

The day of your appointment do not eat or drink anything except water. You can take your medications unless your doctor tells you not to. Please arrive at the Ambulatory Care Center 20 minutes before your appointment and be sute to have a photo ID and your insurance information with you. If your physician gave you a written order please bring that with you as well. Certain conditions may prevent you from having a PET/CT scan. Please inform us if you have any of the following conditions to be sure that it is safe to do a PET/CT scan on you.

• Pregnant
• Breast Feeding
• Claustrophobic
• Unable to lie on your back for about one hour

During the PET/CT scan

The entire PET/CT scan process takes about 2.5 hours to complete. After you are registered you will be taken to a special waiting area where an IV will be started. Then you will be taken to the PET/CT coach for the injection of the radioactive tracer compound.

Next you will return to the waiting area where you should sit quietly for almost an hour while your body absorbs the compound. You will have to stay seated in the waiting area as walking around will ruin the scan results. There is a television and magazines to help pass the time. Once the compound is absorbed you will be asked to use the restroom and then be taken back to the PET/CT coach for the scan. You will lie down on a cushioned table and asked to be as still as possible for nearly an hour. While you may move a little bit, we get a much better scan result if you can lie quietly.

After the test

If you were given a sedative, have an adult friend or family member drive you home. Over the next several hours, drink plenty of clear fluids to help flush the tracer compound out of your system. You can resume your normal activities. There are no lasting effects or side effects from the radioactive tracer. You will pose no danger to your loved ones.

Questions or Concerns

If you have any other questions or concerns you may call the Berger Health System Radiology department at (740) 420-8248. You will be put in touch with a technologist who can answer your questions.

Important

Please call (740) 474-7701 if you cannot keep your appointment. If you do not cancel 24 hours in advance you may have to pay for the radioactive tracer even if you do not have the scan.