What is PET?

PET (Positron Emission Tomography) is based on a host of exciting new technological developments in Nuclear Medicine and digital imaging. Physicians and researchers have a new tool to understand how the body functions in health and disease. It's the PET Scanner, which looks somewhat like a CAT Scanner. PET images can visualize abnormalities earlier than other procedures we currently perform.

PET scans can detect changes in cellular function; how your cells are utilizing nutrients like sugar and oxygen. Since these functional changes take place before physical changes occur, PET can provide information that helps your doctor to make an earlier diagnosis.

PET can identify the source of many common cancers, as well as certain heart and brain conditions and may eliminate the need for other tests. PET is a powerful radiology test that can detect disease before it can be seen by other means.

What happens once I get there?

After reviewing your history and any prior exams with the staff, you will have an IV started in a vein in your arm and a small amount of radioactive glucose (also known as sugar) will be injected into your bloodstream. For most studies, you will wait about 45 minutes for the injection to absorb into your body. During this time you will need to rest without a great deal of movement. You may be able to read, speak, or listen to music until your scan begins - and perhaps during the scan itself. However, if we'll be scanning you brain, we will ask you to wait in a quiet, dimly lit room, without stimulating your brain by reading or talking.

What will the scan be like?

You will lie on a comfortable table that moves slowly through the ring-like PET scanner as it takes the images. We will ask you to lie very still, because movement can interfere with the results. You shouldn't feel a thing during the scan, which can last anywhere from 30-60 minutes. Your exam will vary depending on what we are looking for. Plan to spend two to three hours with us.

What happens after the exam?

You may leave as soon as the scan is complete. Unless you have received special instructions, you'll be able to eat and drink immediately - drinking lots of fluids will help remove any radioactivity that may still be in your system. In the meantime, we will begin preparing the results for review by our Radiologist who will send a report to your physician.

Are there risks associated with PET?

A PET study is similar to many other diagnostic tests like CAT Scan and MRI. Although the radiation your receive is different, it's roughly equal to what you would get from other exams such as a CAT Scan.

Radioactive glucose used in PET does not remain in your system for very long, so there is no reason to avoid interacting with people once you've left. To be extra safe, wait for a few hours before getting too close to an infant, or anyone who is pregnant.

Please follow these special instructions:

• Do not eat or drink anything more than water for 4 hours before your exam because it could interfere with the results; don't chew gum.
• Avoid caffeine and nicotine for 4 hours before your exam.
• If you take medications, drink only plain water.
• If you are diabetic, let us know ahead of time so we can work with your physician to determine the safest possible way for you to prepare for your exam.
• If you feel feverish, please call this to our attention.

Please let us know if you might be pregnant or are currently breast-feeding.

Talk to your doctor about any additional questions or concerns or call us at (716) 664-8211.

To schedule a PET Scan, call (716) 664-8440.