Preparing for a PET/CT Scan

What is a PET/CT scan?

A PET/CT scan is made of a PET scan and a CT scan. These 2 scans are performed on the same scanner one after the other. What is a PET scan? PET stands for Positron Emission Tomography. This scan shows the glucose (sugar analog) utilization (metabolism) by the cells in the body. The amount of glucose the cells use is a good indicator of their well-being (state). What is a CT (CAT) scan? CT (CAT) stands for Computed (Axial) Tomography. This type of scan is a much more powerful X-ray scan that shows body organs in great details.

The combination of PET and CT scans gives your physician a better functional and localization of the tissues and organs abnormalities, if there are any.

How do I prepare for a PET/CT scan?

You must be fasting for at least 4 hours in order to get a PET/CT scan and your blood sugar must be below 200 mg/dL.Take all your medicines, especially diabetes medicine, as prescribed by your physician. You can drink water. No gum chewing or exercising before your PET/CT scan. Expect to be in the PET/CT facility for at least 1 ½ -2 hours.

How is the PET/CT scan performed?

Your blood sugar will be measured just before the injection of the FDG (glucose).Your blood sugar must be less than 200 mg/dl for the scan to be performed.After the injection of a small amount of FDG you will be asked to rest comfortably for 50-60 minutes, to allow the cells to take up the FDG.You will then be asked to empty your bladder. You will be scanned, lying down on your back, for 28-40 minutes from eyes to thighs or little more when your scan calls for head-to-toe imaging . Once the scan is completed, you will be asked, again, to empty your bladder. There are no known side effects from the injection of the FDG.

Your scan will be performed at 2709 MEREDYTH PLACE, Albany, Georgia 31707.

For more information regarding the PET/CT scan, please call : (229) 312 1660. To change the date of your scan, please call: (229) 312 4800.