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What is a PET-CT Scan


PET-CT (Positron Emission Tomography and Computed Tomography) is a scanning method that allows us to see how organs or tissues are functioning.

The body is imaged following the injection of a radioactive tracer (most commonly 18F-FDG, which goes to areas of the body in the same way as sugar).
This provides important information about many conditions and helps your doctor to plan your treatment for effectively.

In this section

Are there any side effects or risks?

The tracer we inject will not produce any side effects. You can continue with your usual daily activities. It will not make you drowsy and will not prevent you from driving.
In some cases the technologist will administer intravenous contrast through a vein in your arm, which will cause a warm flushing feeling. We will need to know if you have had an allergy to intravenous contrast in the past, or if you have had kidney disease. Please inform our clinic this before you arrive.
The benefits of the scan far outweigh any possible risk from radiation. Your referring doctor will have considered this carefully before asking us to carry out this examination.

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Do I need to confirm my appointment?

Yes, please confirm if you are unable to attend.
If you have any other queries, please call us on 06 873 1166.
Please allow plenty of time to get to the clinic. It is vital that you arrive on time for your appointment as the radioactivity has a very short shelf life.

Preparing for your scan

You will need to follow specific instructions, which will depend on the type of scan you will have. All instruction will be on your appointment letter, please read it carefully.

  • We suggest wearing something loose and comfortable with no metal.
  • Please avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours prior to your scan appointment, for example running, cycling, horse-riding or gym exercise.
  • You do need to be able to lie flat for this scan. Please inform us if you do not think you can manage this or if you are claustrophobic.

At the time of your booking our customer services representative will ask you several questions which will guide us about the best way to proceed.

What will happen on the day of the scan?

  • Once you arrive for your appointment, one of our technologists will explain the procedure to you and take a brief clinical history. If you have any questions, this will be a good opportunity to ask them.
  • We will then take you to a preparation room where a small amount of radioactive tracer will be injected into your arm.
  • You can then relax quietly in a recliner chair for 60 minutes before having the scan.
  • At this point we will take you into the scanning room and ask you to lie on your back on the scanner.
  • You may have another injection of an X-ray contrast during the CT scan.
  • Most scans last around 20 minutes.

What happens after my scan?

You will be able to leave the clinic about 20 minutes after the scan is complete. You will be able to eat and drink as usual. You may go anywhere you wish, but avoid prolonged close contact with pregnant women and children for six hours after the scan. This is avoid exposing children to unnecessary radiation. Continue to drink plenty of fluids for the remainder of the day and empty your bladder regularly.

FAQs

After your scan is completed, a specialist will interpret the images and generate a report, which will be sent to your referring doctor.
If you have a further appointment with your referrer, please let us know the date when you attend your scan.

You should expect to be with us for approximately two hours. This includes explanation, preparation and scanning time.

Friends or relatives bringing you to your appointment will be allowed to stay with you while we discuss your procedure. After this you will be taken to a room for the scan preparation.

We will ask that family or friends can either leave the premises or wait in the waiting room at this time. We will advise when you will be able to be picked up. Only an essential carer or interpreter is permitted to stay with you.
Please note that during the scan, they will be asked to wait outside the scan room.