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?

• 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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