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Below, you will find the most commonly asked questions (with the
answers) that patients have about PET.
WHAT IS PET?
For a detailed answer to this questions, please visit our
About PET web page.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PET FOR PATIENTS?
- Detailed diagnostic information, not available from other tests
(like CT, MRI)
- Shorter time for definitive diagnosis
- Earlier detection of disease with fewer invasive diagnostic
procedures
- Precise staging of the disease and better monitoring of cancer
recurrences
- More effective tracking of the results of chemotherapy
- Less extensive surgeries and avoidance of some surgeries
- Can contribute to lowering the overall cost of care
WHAT ARE THE CLINICAL APPLICATIONS OF PET?
For a detailed answer to this questions, please visit our
Clinical Applications of PET web page.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE AND DOES IT HURT?
In most cases you will be on the scanner table for about an hour.
However, you could be in the department for up to three hours. The scan
itself causes no pain. An IV line could be started in your hand or arm
in order to infuse the radio-labeled glucose. Occasionally, a urinary
catheter may need to be inserted for the scan.
WHAT IS BEING INJECTED FOR THE SCAN?
A very small amount of radioactive labeled glucose (FDG) is infused.
The amount of radiation you will receive is about the same as any other
radiology procedure (CT scans or Nuclear Medicine procedures). You
should not feel any side effects from the material. Most of the
radioactivity will be gone by the time you leave the department.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE SCAN?
EATING
You are not allowed to eat for 4 hours prior to your appointment. Also
refrain from exercising 24 hours prior to your scan.
MEDICATIONS
We will ask what medications you take when you schedule your
appointment. You will be provided further instructions at that time.
If you feel you will need sedation or are a diabetic, contact the
Nuclear Medicine Department for further instructions prior to your
scheduled appointment.
ALLERGIES
Allergic reaction to the pharmaceutical has not been described.
CLAUSTROPHOBIC
Most claustrophobic patients are able to tolerate a PET scan. Only the
part of your body being scanned will be in the machine. In addition,
the scanner makes little noise.
ACTIVITY DURING THE SCAN
You should not sleep during a brain scan because sleep changes the way
your brain works. If you are having a whole body scan which does not
include a brain scan, you can sleep. During the scan, we ask that you
are in a quiet, resting state. It is extremely important that you lie
still throughout the scan.
Please bring your CT / MRI scans with you when you
come to our facility for your PET scan.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN AFTER THE SCAN?
It is important that you drink as much as possible for the rest of the
day and empty your bladder as often as possible. This will result in a
more rapid clearance of radioactivity from your body. You can drive and
resume normal activities immediately after leaving the department,
unless you have received sedation.
WHEN WILL I GET THE RESULTS?
The final results will be given to your referring physician as soon as
the images are analyzed, usually within two working days.
WILL MY INSURANCE COVER PET?
Many insurance companies are reimbursing for some PET procedures,
including Medicare. Please contact your insurer directly to learn
about payment reimbursement.
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