PET/CT Patient Information

PET/CT is an advanced imaging tool that combines two different types of imaging into a single procedure. PET/CT can help provide information so physicians and patients can decide on the best course of appropriate treatment/course of action. PET/CT can also be used to determine how a treatment plan is working.

What is PET?

“PET” stands for positron emission tomography. PET creates an image (scan) of your body’s biochemical activity. PET shows the rate at which your body’s cells break down and use sugar (glucose). This activity is called metabolism. For example, cancer cells metabolize sugar at a higher rate than normal cells do. A PET scan shows this abnormal cell activity. For your PET scan, a small amount of radioactive material is injected into your blood stream. This material is called a radioisotope.

The PET scanner detects the radioisotope and then creates an image on the computer screen. The PET radioisotope exposes you to a low level of radiation.

What is CT?

“CT” is short for computed tomography. CT uses x-rays to make an image of various sections of your body. A CT scan shows your body’s organs, bones, and tissues in greater detail than regular x-rays do. CT exposes you to a small amount of radiation.

What does PET/CT do?

A CT scan shows the exact locations of the body’s organs and also can show abnormal growths. When a CT scan is laid over a PET scan, doctors can pinpoint the exact location of abnormal cell activity. They can also see the level and extent of that activity. Even when an abnormal growth is not yet visible on a CT scan, the PET scan may show the abnormal cell activity.

What happens on the day of the exam?

An IV will be inserted into your arm. You will receive the radioactive glucose through the IV. Then you will rest quietly for an hour while it moves through your body. There are no side effects from the injection.

What happens during the exam?

You’ll be asked to empty your bladder, and then you will go to the scanning room. The PET/CT scanner is a machine that does PET and CT scanning in the same procedure. It has a large, deep ring – like a donut standing on its side. A scanning table will move slowly through the ring.

The technologist will help you onto the table and position you as comfortably as possible. You must be able to lie very still on the table with your arms over your head for the entire test, which takes about 30-45 minutes. Please let the technologists know if you have any shoulder or back problems which might prevent you from lying in this position.

The technologist will go into a room behind a glass window. The technologist can see and hear you at all times during scanning and may give you added instructions. The scan is painless; you should not feel anything.

What happens after the exam?

Most of the radioisotope will collect in your bladder. After the exam, you should drink plenty of fluids to flush it out of your body. You may resume your normal diet and activity.

How do I get my results?

The referring doctor who ordered the exam for you will discuss the results with you. Check with your doctor about how and when you will get your results

Questions and concerns

Some anxiety before and during a test is normal. However, a PET/CT exam should not be a fearful experience for you. Feel free to express any concerns about your PET/CT exam. Please ask the medical staff any questions you may have.

If you need assistance the day of the exam, please call 408-851-5600

Nuclear Medicine is located in Department #120 on the first floor of the Hospital in Santa Clara. Our phone number is (408) 851-5600.

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