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. In the last 15 years, PET has moved from the research environment to clinical application. PET has been used in oncology (the study of tumors) and neurology (the study of diseases to the nervous system). PET is quickly becoming a leading diagnostic tool for all types of cancer.

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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. The amount of radiation exposure you will receive is about the same as 3 X-rays. Pregnant and lactating women should discuss procedure with physician.

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Plan not to eat 4 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. Remember that a PET scan is just like a CT or CAT scan. If you do not need medication for the CAT scan then you will be fine for the PET scan. Talk with your physician. Wear comfortable clothes. Expect the procedure to last a total of 2-3 hours. Please arrive at your scheduled time. If you need to reschedule, notification must be given 48 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 your favorite CDs 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. Remember, a PET scan is just like a CT or CAT scan.

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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. 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 is 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 1 hour to obtain. Be prepared to be in the PET facility for 2-3 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 form 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. Your physician will give you the PET scan report.

Further questions, ask your physician.

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