What does a PET/CT scan feel like?

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.

What are the benefits of PET/CT?

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.

How long will my scan take?

The length of the actual procedure will typically be approximately 45 minutes.

What should I do to prepare?

• Our staff will contract you prior to your scheduled appointment date for pre-registration, confirmation, and to answer any questions you may have.
  
  
• Tell your doctor and our staff if you are diabetic.
  
  
• Tell your doctor and our staff if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant or if you are a nursing mother.
  
  
• Do not exercise at least 24 hours before your appointment.
  
  
• After 5:00 p.m. the evening before your appointment do not eat processed foods,
  or foods containing sugar or carbohydrates. Eating a simple dinner high in protein
  is best. Do not eat anything after midnight unless otherwise advised. You should drink enough water to stay properly hydrated. (If you are diabetic, contact our scheduling department at (541) 608-0350.)
  
  
• For your comfort, wear loose fitting clothing. In some instances we may have you
  wear a gown. Please keep jewelry and personal accessories (phone, keys, change, etc.) to a minimum.
  
  
• You should contact your insurance company regarding benefits and coverage before your appointment date. Please bring your medical insurance card(s) to your appointment.
  
  
• Payment arrangements may be made with the OAI Billing Department prior to your appointment by calling (541) 608-0350.
  
  
• Please allow approximately 1.5 - 2 hours for your scan. You will be injected with a very small amount of short-lived radionuclide called 18F FDG. You will feel no physical effects from the FDG.
  
  
• After the FDG injection, you will relax in a comfortable chair for 45-60 minutes for the "Uptake Period". Your actual PET/CT exam takes approximately 30 minutes (it can take
  as few as 10 minutes for smaller patients).
  
  
• The PET/CT scanner is very quiet; however, we encourage you to bring a calming CD
  of your choice to listen to during your scanning time.
  
  
• Most PET/CT patients do not require sedation for their scan. OAI does not provide medication to help you relax. If you feel this is necessary, please make arrangements with your ordering physician before your appointment. (Plan to have a ride home if you are sedated).
  
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