Positron Emission Tomography – Computed Tomography or PET/CT combines two scanning techniques: positron emission tomography (PET) and computerised tomography (CT).
Computed Tomography (CT) images provide anatomical information while the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) study gives an indication of activity and function. Overlaying the PET image onto the CT image produces a fusion of anatomy with activity.
Images acquired from both PET and CT devices can be combined into a single superimposed image (PET/CT). This image provides important diagnostic information as well as assessing the effectiveness of treatment in cancer. The radio-labelled radiopharmaceuticals are then passed out of the body in the urine or bowel movement.
There are three main types of PET/CT scans all with very similar procedures. However there are some differences, and you should be aware of these prior to your scan.
Following a consultation with your clinician (e.g. GP or Consultant), they will complete and sign a referral form. Once the referral has been processed you will be notified with the date and time of your appointment.
We also accept private referrals.
If you suffer from diabetes please read the section titled Diabetic Patient Preparation Guidance for PET/CT.
Unless we tell you otherwise, please don't have anything to eat or drink, except water, for six hours before your appointment. However, it’s quite helpful if you drink 4 or 5 glasses of plain water.
Please let us know if you have any disabilities so that we can ensure we are able to offer you the highest quality service.
Please confirm your appointment by phone, 01792 517965, 24 hours before your scan and arrive in plenty of time.
You’re welcome to bring a friend or a relative with you but for safety reasons we won’t normally allow them into the examination room. Female companions must not be pregnant.
It’s really important that you arrive by the time we tell you. We will need to give you an injection (see preparation for the scan section below) which has an extremely short shelf life and if you’re late we might not be able to use it and your appointment will have to be cancelled.
We may also give you a medicine to enhance the scan results. If we think this is necessary we’ll discuss it with you before your scan, however you will not be able to drive afterwards so you will need to make arrangements for someone to collect you.
Don’t forget to bring your appointment letter with you
Once you’ve checked in at reception, a member of the radiology will meet you, explain the procedure, go through your safety questionnaire with you and ask you to sign a consent form. You’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions about the scanning process.
We might ask you to change into a hospital gown. We’ll provide somewhere to store your personal possessions.
Throughout the procedure, you will be looked after by the radiology team. They will explain what’s happening and will be there if you experience any discomfort.
We'll need to inject you with a radiopharmaceutical. It’s a minor injection (no worse than having a blood test).
After the injection, you’ll need to lie still without talking for around an hour to allow the radiopharmaceutical to be absorbed into your body.
Then we’ll ask you to empty your bladder, following which you’ll be ready for the scan.
The radiographer/technologist operating the scanner will be able to see and hear you throughout the procedure.
We’ll ask you to lie down on the scanner bed and we'll make sure you're comfortable so you can stay as still as possible. You won’t feel anything.
Most scans take between 30 minutes and one hour.
You’re welcome to bring a friend or a relative with you, but for safety reasons, we won’t normally allow them into the examination room.
Do not drive if you have been instructed not to.
Drink plenty of fluids to help flush the radiopharmaceutical from your body.
We strongly recommend that you don’t have close contact with any pregnant women or young children for eight hours following the scan.
A radiologist will examine the images shortly after your visit and send a report to your doctor or consultant, normally within a few days.
For ethical and professional reasons, we cannot discuss results with you. Only your doctor or consultant can do this.
In preparation for your PET/CT Scan please adhere to the following:
In preparation for your PET/CT Scan please adhere to the following:
As above for ‘Non-Insulin Controlled Diabetes’ preparation above.