Can help differentiate between maliganant and non-maligant
tumors.
Helps physicians detect recurrent cancer.
Precisely loactes and assesses the stage of the malignant
disease.
Possibly replace multiple testing procedures.
Can be used to effectively plan treatment options, as well as,
monitor treatment response in certain cancers.
Will I be
exposed to radiation?
Yes, but the exposure is similar to other imaging modalities,
such as CT and X-ray.
What is
FDG?
FDG is a radioactive material that is similar to glucose (sugar).
FDG is the most commonly used imaging tracer for PET imaging.
The half-life of FDG is 110 minutes, so it is rapidly cleared
through your system.
Will my
insurance cover a PET/CT
scan?
Yes, most insurance companies pay for clinically indicated PET
scans. Since PET is a growing imaging modality,the data sometimes
lags behind coverage police. Therefore, the indication may be
covered , even though it may not be listed on a standard coverage
list. It is important to contact your insurance company to
determine if the PET scan is covered. Most insurance
companies require pre-authorization for PET scans. Physicians
routinely provide relative clinical information to the insurance
company to obtain the pre-authorization.
How long
will the exam take?
You should plan to be at the PET/CT center for approximately 2 to 3
hours. However, the actual imaging time is 15 to 30 minutes,
depending on type of procedure.
What can I
expect on the day of my
appointment?
Please arrive to the PET center 30 minutes prior to your scheduled
appointment. The PET/CT staff will greet you. A brief medical
history will be required to be completed. Your blood surgar will be
checked by a finger prick test, the goal is to have the blood
surgar less than 200 mg/dl. A small IV will be placed into a vein
of your arm. A small amount of radioactive glucose, called
FDG, will be injected through the IV. You will be asked to
lie quietly in a room for 60 to 90 minutes. This is
considered the uptake phase of the exam. After the uptake
period, you will be asked to use the restroom to empty your
bladder. You than will be escourted to the scanner.
During the scan you will be required to lie flat on your back
with both arms raised above your head. If you think you are
unable to hold your arms above your head, inform the technologist
and they will work with your to make you as comfortable as
possible. You will be asked to hold very still and breath
normally. Any motion during the scan can interfere with the
results.
What do I
do after the exam is
finished?
You may leave immediately after your scan is completed. Your
activity will not be restricted. However, if you took medication to
relax you for the test you will need someone to drive you home.
You maay resume your normal diet, excerise and take your
presciption medication. Drinking extra fluid may help
eliminate any extra radioactive surgar in your system.
When will
I get the results of my
test?
A Radiologist will review your PET/CT scan. Your physician will
have a written report in 2-3 business days. Your physicain should
contact you with the results.
