We are pleased to announce the addition of our new imaging center at Desert Springs Cancer Care. Our state of the art facility features a Siemens’ Biograph PET/CT Scanner. In addition to PET/CT studies, our scanner can perform Diagnostic CT scans as well as Sodium Fluoride Bone Scans. For physicians, we can accommodate your patients within 24 hours. Please call our office to schedule an appointment today.
What is a PET/CT scan?
PET imaging is a diagnostic procedure used in Nuclear Medicine to visualize the body’s metabolic activity using radioactive labeled sugar (FDG) or salt (N). The radioactive material used is Fluorine-18 (F-18) and has a half-life of 110 minutes. After the radiopharmaceutical is injected into the blood stream, it is distributed throughout the body and metabolized by the cells. These cells, containing a small amount of radioactivity, will be detected by the PET scanner. The CT scan provides information on the body’s anatomy such as size , shape and location. By combining these two technologies into one exam , a PET/CT exam provides an accurate metabolic and structural image.
For Patients
If your doctor has ordered a PET/CT scan for you or if you’re simply interested in this fascinating procedure, browse this page for some helpful and educational information. A PET/CT scan evaluates the body to find changes in your system . In order for PET/CT scanner to get a good read on your body, there are some things a patient needs to do prior to the exam to get a good scan. The following information should be reviewed before the exam.
Click here to download our patient brochure.
This document contains vital info on the procedure as well as what to expect during your scan.
Is PET/CT safe?
Yes. There is no danger from the injection. The radiation exposure is similar to other radiology procedures. The substance (sugar or salt) is quickly eliminated from the body. Special note: If you are pregnant or nursing please inform the imaging staff prior to scheduling an appointment.
What will I experience during the exam?
Upon arrival, you will be escorted to a quiet room where the procedure will begin. Your medical history will be updated and the test will be explained. You will have ample time to ask questions pertaining to the exam. An IV will be started and the radiopharmaceutical will be administered. The IV will then be removed. There are NO SIDE EFFECTS to the radiophamaceuticals. You will be asked to rest for an hour while the injected material circulates throughout your body. You may not get up, talk, read, listen to music, eat or chew gum. This is required because motion causes accumulation of glucose in the muscles, potentially degrading the quality of the scan. Prior to imaging, you will be asked to empty your bladder. Your scanning time will vary between 30-60 minutes depending on diagnosis and body habitus. Please allow two to three hours for the entire procedure on your exam day.
What happens after the exam?
You are advised to avoid pregnant women and children for a minimum of three hours once you leave the center. If you plan to be on a plane within 24 hours of your exam, please inform the technologist. Otherwise, you are free to resume your normal diet and medication schedule.
Benefits of the PET/CT Scan
- Early detection of the disease
- More comprehensive and complete information in one procedure
- Validates or alters prescribed care
- Assist in directing or changing treatment protocols
- Improves patient outcome
- Covered by most insurances
If you have any questions prior to the exam please call Desert Springs Cancer Care at (480) 585-4673.
Pingback: Desert Springs adds PET/CT Imagingdesertspringscancercare.com | desertspringscancercare.com