PET/CT Scan Information

What is Positron Emission Chromotography (PET/CT)?
An integrated PET/CT scan is the most advanced imaging technology for the detection and evaluation of cancer. The whole-body scan generates high-resolution images of abnormal activity and its location.

Abnormal biological activity often takes place before physical changes are identifiable by other imaging exams such as MRI, CT, X-ray and ultrasound. A PET/CT scan provides images of the entire body, detecting primary and secondary disease earlier and more accurately than any other imaging technology. PET/CT is also used to help diagnose alzheimer’s disease and myocardial metabolism studies.

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Patient Info Form

Common Uses of this Procedure
Physicians use PET/CT images to determine the extent of disease, the effectiveness of chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery and possible recurrence. PET/CT scanning can provide early detection of the recurrence of cancer, revealing tumors that might otherwise be obscured by scar tissue that results from surgery and radiation therapy.

How Does it Work and is it Safe?
The A small amount of radioactive sugar is injected into your bloodstream. The radioactive sugar circulates in your body while you relax for approximately one hour. You then lie on a bed that slowly passes through the scanner. The PET/CT scan takes approximately 35-40 minutes. The entire procedure takes about two hours. After the scan, you will be on your way.

The risks associated with PET/CT scanning are minimal. Radioactive sugar, also known as glucose, is short-lived and leaves your body quickly. The radioactive sugar is not a contrast agent. The radiation exposure associated with a PET/CT scan is similar to that associated with conventional imaging exams. If you are, or think you may be pregnant, discuss this with your physician. Generally, PET/CT is not performed on pregnant women. If you are breast feeding, also discuss this with your physician.

If you believe or know that you are claustrophobic, we recommend you get a prescription from your physician and bring the anxiety medication with you. After your injection, you may take the medication. Be sure to have someone come with you so that they can drive you home after the exam.

Benefits of PET/CT Scans

Benefits:

PET/CT replaces multiple medical testing procedures with a single exam.

PET/CT diagnoses disease often before it shows up on other exams.

PET/CT can determine whether a tumor is benign or cancerous.

PET/CT shows all the organ systems of the body in a single exam, so it can indicate whether or not cancer has spread.

PET/CT shows the progress of disease and how the body responds to treatment.

PET/CT reduces or eliminates ineffective or unnecessary surgical or medical treatments.

Patient Comfort
The test itself is completely painless. You will be asked to lie quietly on the CT scanner's "patient couch" during the study. Depending on the type of study being done, you may be injected with, or be asked to drink, contrast material.

Because contrast agents contain iodine, which causes an allergic reaction in some individuals, be sure to tell the technologist, nurse or radiologist if you have had an allergic reaction to these agents before, or if you have any other allergies. You may have been given contrast material earlier as part of a CT scan, a kidney X-Ray (also called an IVP), or a heart or blood vessel catheterization (also called an angiogram). We use nonionic contrast exclusively which is less risk to the patients.

Preparation Required
Please bring the following to your appointment:
Current insurance card Drivers license or photo identification
Co-payment or deductible
Previous scans and x-rays.

Please arrive on time for your scheduled appointment in comfortable clothing. The radioactive sugar is very time sensitive and it is important for you to arrive on time in order to ensure an accurate scan. If you are diabetic, please call MDI for special instructions.

For 24 hours prior to the exam, eat foods low in carbohydrates, avoid caffeine, tobacco and gum chewing. Do not eat or drink anything except water within 6 hours of your appointment. If your scan is scheduled in the afternoon, you may have a light breakfast early in the morning.

Unless you are on fluid restriction, please drink at least 16 ounces of water the evening before your scan.

Drink 16 ounces of water the morning of your scan. If your scan is scheduled in the afternoon, please drink several additional glasses of water before your scan.

Wear warm comfortable clothing without zippers, metal buttons or snaps.

Do not perform any vigorous physical activity within 24 hours of your appointment.

Your appointment will take approximately 2 hours. Afterward, you may resume normal activities, including driving.

After the Test
The patient may leave immediately following the exam and resume normal activites, including driving.

Results of the Test
The images generated by the PET/CT scan combined with a written report from an interpreting physician will be communicated to your physician within 48 hours of your scan. Your physician will share the results with you.

It is important that you follow the above preparation instructions. The accuracy of your PET/CT scan depends on your preparation which controls your body’s metabolic activity. If you have any questions, or would like to tour Modern Diagnostic Imaging prior to your scan, please call us.

Will My Insurance Cover a PET/CT Scan?
Insurance companies and Medicare generally cover PET scans for cancer. MDI’s patient coordinator will verify your insurance coverage.

What Will I Have to Pay?
You may be required to pay a co-payment or deductible. The patient coordinator will discuss your financial responsibility with you prior to your scheduled PET/CT scan. MDI is a Medicare provider and attempts to contract with all major insurance companies. Your financial responsibility will be calculated as if MDI is contracted with your insurance company.

24 Hour notice is required for all cancellations. An expensive, short-lived isotope is ordered especially for your exam. You may be responsible for payment for unused isotopes, if cancellation notice is not provided.

Please feel free to call us to discuss your financial responsibility or to ask any questions about your PET/CT scan.

How to Schedule an Appointment
To schedule a PET/CT Scan with Modern Diagnostic Imaging, please call us at (480) 445 - 9961. [Click here for directions]