Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a sophisticated imaging technique that assists in the diagnoses and management of many diseases. Using PET, physicians can identify disease, particularly cancer, often before it is visible in other imaging procedures. PET can change the way your physician cares for you.

Your PET Scan
Your physician has referred you for a PET scan because he or she believes it may help determine whether you have a disease, the extent of the disease and the best course of treatment.

A PET scan is a painless study that will take about two hours. You will be able to resume normal activities after the test.

Please bring to the PET Center:
Insurance information
Previous CT/MRI films and reports
Chemotherapy/Radiation Therapy history

• Please refrain from strenuous exercise for 3 days prior to the exam
• No eating or drinking (other than water) 4-6 hours prior to the exam
• Drinking plenty of water is encouraged prior to the exam
• Diabetic patients will require special preparation and should call the PET Center for instructions.

If you have any questions about your pre-test preparation, please contact the PET Center.

The Test
Upon arrival at the PET center, you will be escorted to a quiet preparation room. The PET scan procedure begins with a small intravenous injection of FDG (flourodeoxyglucose), a radioactive tracer that resembles glucose (sugar).

You will be asked to rest quietly as the FDG circulates throughout your body. You will then be positioned on the camera and scanned. It is important to remain still as the images of your body are obtained. The imaging time varies, but generally takes about one hour.

A physician specially trained in reading PET scans interprets the images acquired during the procedure. Your referring physician will receive the results within 48 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should have a PET scan?
Your primary care physician or specialist will determine if a PET scan is appropriate for you. PET scans have been particularly useful in diagnosing many types of cancer. Including lung cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, esophageal cancer, head and neck cancer, lymphoma and melanoma.

PET can detect an abnormality and determine if it is benign or malignant. It can also evaluate your response to chemotherapy or radiation therapy. PET is useful in diagnosing many types of neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy, and to identify certain types of heart disease.

Pregnant or nursing women should not have a PET scan unless their doctor believes it is essential to their care.

How does a PET scan work?
A person having a PET scan is injected with a radioactive tracer, such as FDG, about an hour before the scan. The FDG, which is a form of radioactive glucose (sugar), is absorbed by the body’s tissue. The PET scanner produces a picture of this tissue, which reveals important information and will assist your physician in your treatment.

What’s the difference between a PET scan and other imaging tests, such as CT and MRI?
PET is a way of imaging how the body is functioning, in contrast to CT and MRI, which are used to visualize the structure of the body. In some cases, PET can identify abnormal activity before it is visible on CT or MRI. When used in conjunction with CT and MRI, PET can provide an even more comprehensive picture of the body.

How much radiation is a patient exposed to during the procedure?
The amount of radiation received from a PET scan is similar to that of other diagnostic imaging exams.

Will My Insurance Cover My PET Scans?
Most insurance companies reimburse for PET procedures. It is important to contact your insurer regarding coverage. Your referring physician may be able to assist with referrals, pre-authorizations or other specific insurance company requirements

Is PET painless?
Yes. You will not experience any discomfort and can relax while the scan is being performed.

How do I get a PET scan scheduled?
You or someone from your referring physician’s office will contact the PET Center to schedule the procedure. You will be contacted by the PET Center to confirm your appointment.