PET CT
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is one of the newest and most advanced diagnostic procedures to evaluate the function of organ systems in the body. PET can effectively pinpoint the source of many common cancers and can detect certain diseases of the heart and brain long before other tests. PET/CT (positron emission tomography with computed tomography) merges CT images that show the physical attributes of body parts with PET scans that show the function of body parts. This advanced radiological application helps physicians accurately diagnose a patient’s condition and identify the most effective surgical and medical treatments for disease.
PET and PET/CT scans may be used to:
- detect cancer
- determine if cancer has spread in the body or returned after treatment
- determine damage to the heart caused by a myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- identify areas of the heart that would benefit from a procedure such as angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery
- evaluate brain abnormalities, such as tumors, memory disorders, and seizures or other nervous system disorders
For 6 hours before your test, do not eat or drink (except water). Do not even chew gum or mints. Continue to take any medication prescribed by your physician. If you take your medications with food, eat nothing more than a few crackers 4 to 8 hours prior to your exam.
Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours prior to your exam. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes with no heavy buckles or other metal components such as zippers.
If you have diabetes, are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, or are a nursing mother, please notify your physician prior to scheduling your appointment.