Having a PET/CT Scan

What is a PET/CT Scan?             

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is an imaging technique which can provide information about cellular function.

PET/CT combines the functional information from a positron emission tomography (PET) exam with the anatomical information from a computed tomography (CT) exam into one single exam. CT is an imaging technique used to visualize both the soft tissue and bone inside your body.

A pet exam detects change in cellular function, how your cells utilise nutrients like sugar and oxygen. Since functional changes take place before physical changes occur, PET can provide information that will enable doctors to make an early diagnosis.

The PET exam pinpoints increased activity in the cells and the CT provides an anatomical reference.

When the two scans are fused together your doctor can view metabolic changes in the proper anatomical context of your body.

What will happen to me during my appointment?

Please allow between 2-3 hours for each appointment.

The Scan involves a small needle being inserted, usually in to your arm which you will receive an injection of a radioactive glucose (sugar) 18FDG (fluro-deoxyglucose). This glucose must pass multiple quality control tests before it is used and is therefore very safe.

There are no known side effects to this injection.

The PET/CT exam can be broken down in to two parts:

1^st phase resting - this starts after the injection and you will be asked to lie and relax for approximately 1 hour in your own room. PET/CT examinations are painless and safe but the most common complaint is boredom ,so You will be able to listen to music (bring your favourites with you) but you will not be able to read during this time, Or move around too much, this is too stop your muscles absorbing the glucose. PLEASE NOTE patients having brain scans cannot listen to music during this phase.

2^nd - you will then be asked to change into a gown and to remove all metal objects; zips, clasps, jewellery etc.

The scan involves you lying on your back arms raised above your head (if you have trouble doing this please inform the radiographer prior to the scan) and normal breathing throughout.The PET/CT scanner is the worlds first open scanner and this allows for a much more pleasant experience.

The scan will take around 30 minutes and is straightforward. The only requirement is that you keep as still as possible during this time.

Preparation for my PET/CT scan?

• You should not eat for six hours prior to your appointment time, though you should drink plenty of plain water throughout the day.
• For Brain scans patients only need to fast for 3 hours prior to your appointment time.
• Please avoid any strenuous exercise 24hrs prior to your appointment (muscles use glucose to replace glycogen stores)
• Take all prescribed medication on the day of your scan unless you need to take them with food.

• No caffeine 12 hours prior to your appointment.

 

I am diabetic do I have to do anything differently?

Non Insulin controlled diabetics should follow the same protocol as non diabetics. However if you have an afternoon appointment you may take your medication and have something to eat as long as its 6 hours prior to exam.

Insulin controlled diabetics - No preparation required take your insulin and food.

All Patients should drink plenty of fluids before and after your appointment.

 

Is there anything you need to tell us before your scan?

Yes you need to confirm your appointment.

 It is very important that you confirm your appointment, so that we can give the time to another patient if you are unable to make it.

It is important that you get here on time as scans generally cannot be delayed.

Please inform us when you ring to confirm your appointment if any of the following applies to you:

• Recent Chemotherapy - within the last 4 weeks
• Radiotherapy - within 3 - 6 months
• Surgery - within 3 - 6 months
• Breastfeeding - Patients who are breastfeeding may express milk prior to the scan and may start breastfeeding again 4 hours after the scan.
• If you are pregnant please speak to your Doctor / please do not bring pregnant relatives with you for your appointment.

• If you have had previous CT/MRI scans and found it difficult in any way please let us know before your appointment. We may be able to organise a sedative for you during the procedure

 

Can I bring someone with me?

If you would like, a friend or relative may accompany you and wait in the waiting room; however space is very limited so we do ask that you bring just one person.

 

What happens after my scan?

You will be able to eat and drink as soon as the procedure is finished and then go    home.

The results will be sent to your Doctor within 4-5 working days if you have an appointment sooner please inform us at the time of your appointment.

 

How do I organize a PET/CT scan?

You must have somebody who can manage your care and so we ask for a referral detailing your problem and any relevant history - this can be from your hospital Consultant for PET-CT, and if you wish to have a scan done privately your GP can refer you. Upon receipt of this referral by post or fax our Clinical lead consultant or Senior Superintendent Radiographers will assign your referral to the most appropriate Consultant Radiologist. Next your referral will be vetted with the procedure to be undertaken to best demonstrate any abnormality within the area to be scanned.

A referral form can be found on our website link HERE once we have received it we will contact you to arrange an appointment.

 

How much will it cost?

The cost of a PET/CT scan is £798 this is inclusive of the consultant radiologists report and images on CD.

 

Who will report my scan?

Your scan will be reported by UK trained and registered consultant radiologists. Scans are reported by 2 radiologists to increase accuracy (double reported). Our team of Consultants have considerable experience in PET/CT reporting (please see Our Staff page). This will be done on site; none of our work is outsourced abroad.

Your report and CD will be posted to your referring doctor within 5 working days where possible.

 

Patient Satisfaction

Accredited to ISO9001: 2008 for the quality of service that we give to our patients we have demonstrated our ability to consistently deliver high quality clinical imaging at low cost. Patients are key to understanding exactly how well we achieve our objectives and maintain our high standards. We perform regular patient questionnaires on a monthly basis and we measure the individual responses to ensure high standards. We learn form these responses and work hard to continually improve our facilities and staff and our service to our patients.