How a PET / CT Scan works – A PET / CT scan is a “state of the art” cancer scan that combines 2 types of scanners, a CT or CAT scan and a PET scan. Although a PET / CT scan usually takes less than 30 minutes to complete, you will be asked to arrive usually 1.5 to 2 hours prior to your actual scan time. The reason for the early arrival is that you will be asked to sit in a quiet room for approximately one hour after an intravenous injection of a small amount of “radioactive sugar”, otherwise known as FDG or Fluorodeoxyglucose. The radioactive sugar that you will be injected with will be preferentially taken up by some tumor cells during this period. If you currently have a cancer big enough to be seen by PET (we usually can’t detect tumors less than 6mm) and the tumor cells take up the radioactive sugar, it will be visible on the PET scan. PET / CT Scan is now available at our Conway location. For directions, see our map under the Contact Us tab. 

Limitations of a PET / CT Scan – Some cancers do not take up the radioactive sugar, and therefore, may not always be seen on the PET scan. Also, most PET scanners cannot reliably detect tumors less than 6 mm, and therefore, you could have a small number of cancer cells and they might not show up on a PET scan.

Side Effects of PET / CT Scan – The side effects of a PET / CT are usually minimal. The only know side effect of the radioactive sugar is radiation exposure, which is approximately the same as undergoing a CT scan. If your physician has ordered your CT scan to be performed with intravenous contrast, there is an added risk of potential allergic reaction to the contrast material. These reactions are usually mild and include side effects such as itching and development of hives. Although more serious risks have been reported, they occur very infrequently, and medical personnel will always be available.

What you will need to know before arriving for your PET scan –

• The night before your exam, eat a high protein, low sugar, low carbohydrate diet.
• Do not eat anything for 4 hours prior to the exam.
• Regular medication may be taken as prescribed with water.
• Avoid caffeine and sugar for 24 hours before your appointment.
• 2 hours prior to the exam, drink two glasses of water and then do not drink anything more until after your exam. Do not chew gum prior to your exam.
• No strenuous physical activity or exercise within 48 hours of your appointment.
• Wear loose comfortable clothing without metal. Leave jewelry at home, if possible. Wear your hearing aids, glasses or dentures.
• Diabetic Patients: The morning of your exam, eat a low sugar breakfast 4 hours prior to appointment; take your diabetes medications as normal, then drink water only until your appointment.
• Please bring with you any previous PET scan images.
• IMPORTANT:  A special, expensive radioisotope is ordered and delivered to the PET/CT scanner for your exam. IF you are unable to keep your appointment, it is VERY IMPORTANT to cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled exam time so that we may attempt to cancel the shipment. Please call 843-234-1660.   

How will I get the results? – The Radiologist will review and interpret the scan after computerized analysis and will give the results to your Physician to discuss with you.