Information About
Your Whole-Body PET Scan
Clinical PET Facility
Center For Advanced Medicine
Phone:
314-362-4PET (362-4738)
Toll-Free:
888-362-4738
Fax: 314-362-5428
To register prior to your appointment:
Pre-Registration:
314-362-7111
Toll-Free: 877-992-7111
Appointment
Date: _______________
Time: ______________
When
can I have the results of my PET scan?
Ordinarily,
your scan will be interpreted on the same day and the results sent to your
doctor. Except for unusual circumstances, we prefer that the doctor who ordered
your test discuss the results with you because your doctor is the one who will
choose the next step in your diagnosis or treatment.
Will
the PET scan be covered by my insurance?
Coverage
for PET scans varies by insurance carrier. Please check with your doctor or
directly with your insurance carrier if you are concerned about the cost of the
test.
Will
the PET scan be covered by Medicare?
Please
discuss with your doctor whether or not Medicare will pay for your PET scan.
Where
is the PET Facility located?
The Clinical PET Facility is located on the 2nd
floor
of the Center for Advanced Medicine. Valet and garage parking are available at
the corner of
DIRECTIONS:
From Interstate 64/US 40: Exit
at Kingshighway North and turn right onto
From Interstate 44: Eastbound–exit
at Kingshighway and turn left. Westbound–exit
at McRee and turn right on Kingshighway.
Approximately 1 mile North, turn right onto
From Interstate 55 or 70: Exit
to Interstate 44 and follow the directions above.
What is
PET?
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a unique
noninvasive test that provides information about the body’s function not
available through any other type of imaging test. PET images functional
processes, such as tumor metabolic activity, rather than imaging anatomy, as is
done with computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
PET imaging is usually accomplished by injecting a radioactive
sugar (FDG), which is similar to glucose, the sugar in your diet. The FDG is
taken up in cells that are using sugar and is detected by the PET scanner,
which creates images of the metabolism of the cells of the body.
How is
PET imaging used?
PET is
used as a diagnostic test for certain brain and heart diseases, and for cancer.
It is most commonly used to diagnose cancer or to help determine the best type
of treatment for cancer. PET provides information about whether a mass is
likely to be cancerous or whether it has spread to other areas in the body. The
information from PET can help your doctor to plan the best course of treatment
for you or could prevent unnecessary surgery. PET is also used to determine the
effectiveness of cancer treatment and to detect recurrent cancer.
How
should I prepare for a PET scan?
• As with any radiology test, please let us
know before your appointment if you are pregnant or nursing.
• Maintain a low-carbohydrate diet on the day
before your test. Limit the amount of bread, pasta, potatoes, cereals, rice,
deserts, candy and sugar you eat. Instead you should eat items that are high in
protein or fat.
• Do
not eat anything for at least 6 hours prior to your test. This
includes hard candy, chewing gum, or beverages containing sugar. However, you
should drink liberal amounts of plain (not flavored) water on the day of your
test.
• If
you take medicine for diabetes, please contact us for special instructions. Otherwise,
you may take your usual medications with water on the day of your test.
• Wear comfortable clothing and, if possible,
avoid clothing with metal snaps, buttons and zippers.
• Please leave all jewelry and valuables at
home or with a friend or family member who may accompany you.
• It is important that you arrive on time. The test will take 2-3
hours. The radioactive tracer, FDG, is ordered especially for your appointment
and may not be useable if you are late.
What
should I expect?
A small i.v. line will be started in a vein of your arm or hand.
This i.v. line will be used to draw a sample of blood
so we can check your blood sugar. Next, you will receive an injection of FDG
into the i.v. line. You will be asked to rest quietly
for 45-60 minutes while the FDG circulates in your body.
Because
FDG is similar to sugar there are no side effects and you will not feel any
differently after the injection. After the waiting period, you will use the
restroom to empty your bladder and then will move into the scanning room. If
you are wearing clothing with a lot of metal (snaps, buttons, zippers, etc.)
you may be asked to change into hospital attire.
The PET
scanner is similar to a CT scanner. For most patients, the scanner used
actually includes a CT scanner in the same device, and both PET and CT images
will be taken. You will lie on your back for 20-50 minutes while the images are
taken. Imaging usually will start at your eyebrows and extend down to your
upper thighs. You will be asked to remain as still as possible during your
pictures.
After your
scan, you should empty your bladder again and can resume all your normal
activities. The FDG leaves your body through the kidneys and urine, so you
should drink plenty of liquids after the scan.