No, we are not talking about animal companions! PET is an acronym for Positron Emission Tomography. PET is an imaging test to gain important and unique information about the function of organs and cells within your body. Your physician is using this information to help diagnose and manage your disease.

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PET produces images of metabolic activity as opposed to images of the body’s physical structures that are derived from these other imaging techniques. A PET scanner is similar to a CT scanner in appearance only.

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A small amount of radioactive glucose (sugar) is introduced in the body where it is processed by organs and tissues as part of normal function. The PET scanner is able to detect the location of the radiation in the body. A computer creates an image from the information received by the scanner. The unique information that PET provides is extremely useful to your physician.

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Like Nuclear Medicine Bone Scans, you are exposed to a small amount of radioactive material that is not considered to be a threat to your health. Pregnant and lactating women should discuss this procedure with their physician.

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Plan not to eat 6 hours prior to your exam. If you need to take medications, they can be taken with a small amount of water. Diabetic patients need to regulate their blood glucose level to normal as possible. Blood glucose levels will be checked before the injection of radioactive glucose. The blood glucose level needs to be less than 200 at the time of the scan. If you take insulin, it must be taken at least 4 hours prior to your scan. If your glucose levels are over 200, please contact the PET facility prior to your appointment time. You should bring medications for pain, anxiety or claustrophobia if you need them plus a driver to drive you home. Wear comfortable, metal free clothes. Expect the procedure to last a total of 2 hours. Please arrive at your scheduled time. If you need to reschedule, notification must be given 24 hours in advance.

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If you have x-rays, CT, MRI or Nuclear Medicine scans, ask your doctor if you need to bring them. The CT or MRI may be helpful. Upon arrival at the PET facility, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire about your medical history and current medications. You may bring a CD player or MP3 player to listen to during your study. If you need medications for pain, anxiety or claustrophobia, please bring them with you to take prior to the scan. If you take medication for any of these reasons, you will need to bring a driver.

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You will be asked to complete a brief medical history, which includes your current medications. You will need to show your insurance card. A blood glucose level will be taken if you are diabetic. After all the paperwork and blood test is completed, you will receive an intravenous administration of radioactive material in a vein. The radioactive injection may be in the arm at the bend of the elbow, hand or even foot. Once the injection is completed, the needle may be removed. Patients do not experience any reactions to the radioactive glucose injection —- no side effects. The metabolism or uptake of the radioactive glucose in the body varies for each type of study. You will be asked to rest quietly for a period between 30-60 minutes. You will lie flat and still on your back on the scan table (just like a CAT scan) that will move you to different positions in the scanner. As pictures are being taken, the patient will be asked to remain very still with no movement being allowed. The pictures generally take about 15 to 30 minutes to obtain. Be prepared to be in the PET facility for 2 hours.

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You should eat and drink plenty of fluids after your study is completed. You will not experience any side effects from the study.

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The PET scan will give your physician information that is not available from other imaging studies. The other imaging studies give information on anatomy such as physical size and structure of your organs and bones. PET shows your body utilizing or metabolizing the radioactive glucose (sugar) that is injected in your vein. It will help your physician diagnose and manage your disease.

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The results of the PET scan will be sent to your referring physician within 48 hours. Your physician will give you the PET scan report.

Further questions, ask your physician.

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CT is an acronym for Computed Tomography.  CT is the use of x-rays to produce cross sectional images.  This allows our doctors to monitor cancer development throughout the body, as well as individual organs.

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When your appointment is scheduled, you will be asked a few questions and given instructions.  If you are a diabetic, or have an allergy to iodine please let us know at this time.  Please wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes and limit the amount of jewelry.  You will be asked not to eat or drink for 4 hours before your test.  You may be required to drink a barium sulfate suspension an hour and a half before your study.  This will allow the doctor to visualize your stomach and entire colon.

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If you have had a previous CT at another facility, please bring the films or images with you.

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You will be asked a few questions about your medical history and an IV will be placed in your arm.  Iodinated contrast will be administered through the IV to visualize the blood flow through your vessels and organs.  This injection may give you a warm sensation as it enters the body and is filtered through the kidneys and bladder.  You will be asked to hold your breath as the CT acquires the images.  You will only be on the scan table 10 to 15 minutes.  You IV will be removed, and your scan will be complete.

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You will be asked to drink plenty of fluids to flush the contrast from your system.  You will be able to resume normal diet and should not suffer any side effects.

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Your CT will be sent to a radiologist to be reviewed that day.  The written report will be sent to your ordering physician within twenty four hours.

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MRI is an acronym for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. MRI can image almost all tissues of the body and gives detailed images when looking for tumors. Compared to CT or CAT scans, no radiation is used in MRI. Injections may be given on certain exams to further detail the anatomy.

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No metal will be allowed in the scan room. Therefore, no metal on clothing, jewelry or eye makeup will be permitted. Patients with pacemakers and/or brain aneurysm clips are not permitted in the MRI area. It is important for all patients who have hearing aids, dentures, electrical appliances or metal in their body to notify the technologist. Before patients are allowed into the exam room, a survey must be completed to assure safety for each patient. There are no food or drink restrictions. All medications may be taken the day of the exam.

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The patient lies in a large, cylinder shaped magnet where radio waves are sent throughout the body. The magnet is very loud, so each patient is required to wear earplugs. Exams usually take about 45 minutes to an hour and it is very important for patients to lay very still. If it is not possible for the patient to lay still, the ordering physician or MRI department needs to be contacted. If the patient is claustrophobic, a sedative may be given by the ordering physician. If sedation is required, a driver must accompany the patient.

If you have any questions, you may contact the MRI department at 479-587-1700 ext 129

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The results of the MRI scan will be sent to your referring physician within 48 hours. Your physician will give you the MRI scan report.

Further questions, ask your physician.

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