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PET/ CT

What is a PET/CT scan?

A PET/CT scan combines two imaging techniques: Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT). This combination provides detailed information about the structure and function of tissues and organs.

Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG): Commonly used to detect cancer, as cancer cells consume more glucose and appear brighter on the scan.

  • Preparation:
    • Fasting:  Patient needs to fast from food/drink for six hours before the scan and if diabetic, patient will fast 4 hours prior to the exam. Only water is allowed.
      • If the appointment is scheduled in the morning: eat a high protein meal for dinner the day before; Steak, fish, chicken with green vegetables only; no starches, fruit, candy, bread or sugars.
      • If appointment is late morning or afternoon: eat a high protein meal for breakfast, eggs, steak, sausage with green vegetables, no starches, fruit, candy, bread or sugars/creamers.  Black coffee is ok.
    • Avoid Activities: Refrain from heavy physical activities for 24 hours before the scan.
    • Diabetic patients should take their diabetic medication. Blood sugar levels will be checked, as low & high levels can interfere with the scan.

Used for imaging prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) in prostate cancer patients.

Preparation:

  • No specific preparation is required. Patients may eat and drink as normal.

Avoid Activities:

  • Refrain from heavy physical activities for 24 hours before the scan.

Used for imaging somatostatin receptor-positive neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). It offers a longer half-life and better image quality compared to some other tracers1.

  • Preparation:
    • 28 day washout of LAR shot 24-48 hour washout of SAR shot.  Provide the scheduler with the date of your last shot.  You may eat/drink as normal.
    • Avoid Activities: Refrain from heavy physical activities for 24 hours before the scan.

Ga-68 PSMA: Used for imaging prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) in prostate cancer. It helps in detecting prostate cancer metastases2.

  • Preparation: None.  You may eat/drink as normal.
    • Avoid Activities: Refrain from heavy physical activities for 24 hours before the scan.

Ga-68 DOTATATE: Another tracer for imaging NETs. It binds to somatostatin receptors, highlighting tumors on the scan1.

  • Preparation:
    • 28 day washout of any LAR shot 24-48 day washout of SAR shot.  Provide the scheduler with the date of your last shot.  You may eat/drink as normal.
    • Avoid Activities: Refrain from heavy physical activities for 24 hours before the scan.

F-18 Axumin: Specifically used for imaging recurrent prostate cancer. It helps in locating cancer that has returned after treatment2.

  • Preparation:
    • Fast 4 hours prior (no food, may drink water to take small amounts of medication. 
    • Avoid Activities: Refrain from heavy physical activities for 24 hours before the scan.

Florbetapir F-18 Amyloid (Amyvid): Used for imaging amyloid plaques in the brain, which are associated with Alzheimer’s disease2.

  • Preparation:  None.  Patient may eat/drink as normal.
    • Avoid Activities: Refrain from heavy physical activities for 24 hours before the scan.

Used for imaging prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) in prostate cancer patients.

Preparation:

  • No specific preparation is required. Patients may eat and drink as normal.

Avoid Activities:

  • Refrain from heavy physical activities for 24 hours before the scan.

Illuccix is used to prepare an advanced imaging tracer that is designed to help your doctor detect the presence of cancer cells in your body. Illuccix is used with an imaging technique called a positron emission tomography (PET) scan.

  • Preparation:  None.  Patient may eat/drink as normal.
    • Avoid Activities: Refrain from heavy physical activities for 24 hours before the scan.

DaTscan (Ioflupane I-123 Injection): Used for imaging dopamine transporters in the brain, which helps in the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders.

Preparation:

  • Patients may need to take a thyroid-blocking medication before the scan to protect the thyroid from radiation.
  • Follow any specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider.
  • Before your exam, please send us your medication history.

Avoid Activities:

  • Refrain from heavy physical activities for 24 hours before the scan.

What to do?

    • Medical Records: Bring any prior procedure-related documents from your doctor including any prior Pet Scan images if a comparison is needed.
    • Inform Your Doctor: Let your doctor know if you have diabetes, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have claustrophobia.

During the scan

    • Injection: You’ll receive an injection of a custom-made dye (tracer) that highlights chemical activity in your body.
    • Positioning: You’ll lie on a table that moves through the scanner’s rings. The scanner captures PET and CT images almost simultaneously. 
    • Imaging: Full body images appear as horizontal slices, providing a detailed view of your bones, tissues, and organs. Areas with high chemical activity, such as cancer cells, will appear brighter.

Procedure

    • Remove Metal Items: You’ll need to remove any metal items and may need to change into a hospital gown.
    • IV Catheter: An intravenous (IV) catheter will be placed in your arm.

What to Expect?

  • Comfort: The procedure is generally painless, but you need to stay still during the scan.
  • Duration: The entire process, including preparation, can take a few hours.
  • Results: The images help doctors diagnose conditions, evaluate treatments, and guide surgeries and typically takes 24-48 hours to be faxed to your physician.

After the Scan:

  • Hydration: Drink plenty of water to help flush the tracer from your body.
  • Normal Activities: You can usually resume normal activities immediately after the scan.

If you have any specific concerns or questions about the procedure, it’s always best to discuss them with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice and information based on your medical history and condition.

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