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Positron
Emission Tomography (PET)
Frequently Asked Questions - PET
What is Positron Emission
Tomography PET)?
PET, or "Positron Emission Tomography" is a
state-of-the-art imaging technology that uses small amounts of radioactive
pharmaceuticals (radioisotopes) to make images of the human body or disease
process. Most procedures use a glucose (sugar) labeled with a short-lived
radioactive material. Unlike, conventional CT, MRI, or X-ray, PET scans
provide "functional" or "metabolic" information of organ tissues. Obtaining
this "functional" information gives the physician an excellent tool in :
 How long does the procedure take?
The total time required will be 2 - 3 hours. After the injection of the
radiopharmaceutical, you will wait up to one hour in a comfortable environment
for the material to circulate in your body. The whole body imaging procedure
will take 45 min. - 1 hour.
How do I prepare for the
procedure?
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You SHOULD NOT eat or
drink anything but water for 4 hours before your exam.
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Medications can be taken on your
normal schedule unless your physician has directed you otherwise.
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Special considerations are made
for diabetic patients regarding diet, insulin, and procedure preparation.
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Please wear comfortable, warm
clothing since the scan area is maintained at a cool temperature for the
equipment. In most situations, clothing will not need to be removed.
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Please bring your current health
insurance ID information as well as any other radiology exams (i.e., CT,
MRI, X-ray) that you have been instructed to bring.
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Sedation is needed for certain
exams.
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You will be instructed to bring a
family member or friend to drive you home if sedation is required.
Are there any side effects?
The radioactive pharmaceutical you will receive is very safe and there are no
known side effects. There is limited radiation exposure involved that is
similar to other Nuclear Medicine or Radiology procedures.
Who will be performing my exam?
Nevada Imaging Centers prides themselves on maintaining highly competent, well
trained technical staff. An experienced Nuclear Medicine technologist who will
work closely with the radiologist and clerical staff to provide the highest
quality service possible will perform your procedure.
How is the scan performed?
A short-lived radiopharmaceutical, specifically designed for use with PET
imaging, will be injected into your arm. The procedure will begin after an
"uptake period" of 45-60 minutes depending on the type of examination being
ordered. There are no side effects from the injection and you will be asked to
rest quietly during the "uptake period." The scan itself will take
approximately one hour.
You will be asked to lie comfortably on the imaging table
while the scanner detects the concentration of the glucose within the body and
generates an image by use of the computer. The amount of time involved to
complete your scan will depend on the type of procedure your physician has
ordered. The PET staff will provide you with this information at the time of
your scan.
Who interprets PET scans?
After completion of the exam, the technical staff will "process" the
information and prepare it for review. A radiologist, with extensive training
and experience in the field of Radiology/Nuclear Medicine, will use a computer
to analyze the images.
When will the results be
available?
After completion of your exam, the technical staff will "process" the
information and prepare it for interpretation. A radiologist with training and
expertise in the field of PET and other correlative imaging studies will
interpret the images the following day. A typed report will be forwarded to
your physician within 1-2 days.
Note: It is important that we have your outside films at the time of the PET
scan in order to issue the report in a timely manner.
You MUST obtain your results through the physician that ordered your exam.
If you have any other question please
click here to contact us.
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PET
Procedure
Info