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A PET/CT scan is painless; there are no known side effects following a PET/CT examination. You won't feel anything during the exam – there is no heat generated by the PET/CT scan. For some patients, keeping still may be slightly uncomfortable.
PET/CT inspects all of the organ systems of the body in a single scan. The procedure facilitates earlier diagnosis of disease and evaluates how the body is responding to treatment.
A PET/CT scan provides the following key benefits:
• It is a safe, noninvasive diagnostic procedure.
• The scan provides detailed diagnostic information that isn't available from other tests
(CT, MRI, ultrasound, etc.).
• PET/CT can show whether a tumor is malignant or benign. It is highly accurate in
revealing the presence or spread of many types of cancers.
• A PET/CT scan can reveal coronary artery disease and resulting tissue damage in the
heart.
• PET/CT is useful in diagnosing complex neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's,
Parkinson's, Huntington's and Down's Syndrome.
• It takes less time to provide the information that allows your doctor to make a
definitive diagnosis.
• It detects disease with fewer invasive diagnostic procedures.
• PET/CT effectively tracks the results of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
• The process can provide information that results in less intensive surgery and/or
avoidance of some surgeries.
• PET/CT identifies distant tumors and can differentiate between scar tissue and tumor
recurrence.
The length of the actual procedure will typically be approximately 45 minutes.
• Tell your doctor and technologist if you are diabetic.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant or if you are a
nursing mother.
• Wear comfortable clothing in layers.
• Wear your hearing aid, glasses and dentures to the PET/CT center but leave
valuables at home.
• Take any prescribed medications on the day of your test unless instructed differently
by your doctor.
• Do not eat for at least four hours before your scan.
• Drink 24-30 ounces of water over two hours before the scan. Black decaffeinated
coffee (no cream, no sugar) is acceptable along with the water.
• Avoid all beverages except water and black decaffeinated coffee for at least four
hours before your scan.
• Do not exercise 48 hours before your PET/CT scan.
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