What is a PET/CT exam?
A Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT) exam combines two scans into one system to create images with information about both anatomy and physiology. PET uses an injected radioactive isotope that is attached to a sugar molecule so it will collect in areas where the body is using sugar. These areas of activity may be normal or indicate disease, depending on where they are located. The CT portion of the exam is used to create images that help locate precisely where the areas of activity are within the body.
At 正规博彩十大网站排名, we use a PET/CT exam to create the best possible images. These exams are scheduled Monday through Friday in the afternoon only. Your primary care physician or provider must refer you for a PET/CT exam. Since the isotope used for PET/CT exams is created specifically for each patient and his or her appointment time, we need at least one day’s notice to order the isotope. Because these drugs expire within hours, it is important to be on time for a nuclear medicine exam and to let the Imaging 正规博彩十大网站排名 department know more than one day ahead if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. You can call or reschedule by calling the Scheduling 正规博彩十大网站排名 at 308-630-2700. To reach the Imaging 正规博彩十大网站排名 main desk, call 308-630-1140.
What to expect during a PET/CT exam
For a PET/CT exam, you will first come to the Imaging 正规博彩十大网站排名 department for the isotope injection. 然后, you will rest quietly for approximately 60 minutes so the isotope has time to circulate through the body. Because this study relies on the body’s use of sugar, it is important to keep muscles relaxed right before the exam, so they aren’t using sugar during the scan. You are also asked to restrict your diet and cut out sugar for 24 hours before the exam. You will receive a copy of the diet ahead of time to know exactly what you can and cannot eat.
After the relaxation time, you will lie on the table while the CT scan is done and the computer creates cross-sectional images. While you are on the table, the PET camera will measure the radioactivity coming from within your body. Computers will then create an image of the body that shows the location where the radioactivity collects. Images of the areas of activity are fused into the CT scan images, creating cross sectional images that can show precisely where the areas of radioactivity are located.
During your exam, a registered radiologic technologist will care for you. This technologist is specially trained in performing nuclear medicine exams and certified in this specialty by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB). The technologist will perform a blood glucose test and inject the radioactive isotope. He or she will assist you onto the scanning table and operate the equipment. The technologist will be with you throughout the exam.
A board certified radiologist who specializes in PET/CT exams will examine the images. 然后, they will send the report directly to your physician or provider, who will then contact you with the results.