Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT)
At Advanced Medical Imaging we offer state of the art, whole body, mobile PET/CT. This service places us at the cutting edge in the diagnosis of cancers.
What is PET/CT?
PET scan uses a camera along with radioactive tracers injected intravenously (IV) to obtain images of the human body's function and reveal information of health and disease. The scanner records signals that the tracer emits as it journeys through the body and is collected by targeted organs. A computer then interprets the signals into actual images, which then show biological maps of normal organ function and failure of an organ system.
What does the PET/CT scanner look like?
The PET scanner has a large opening, which a table moves slowly through. As the patient moves through the opening a camera records signals emitted by the radioactive tracers. A computer then interprets the signals into actual images.
How should I come prepared for my PET/CT?
If possible your clothing should be free of metals such as zippers, buttons, brassiere clips, and snaps. For your convenience correct attire is available with private changing rooms and secured lockers. You may also be asked to remove jewelry, hairpins, and body piercings. You will also be asked to have nothing to eat or drink except water 4 hours prior to your scan time.
How long will my PET/CT examination take?
With patient registration time, patient instruction time, time after intravenous administration, and actual scan time you average stay at our facility can be from 2 to 3 hours.
Who interprets my PET/CT examination and how do I get the results?
The radiologist on site at AMI will interpret the PET exam. A radiologist is a physician who specializes in using PET and other radiologic examinations for the detection abnormalities of the internal organs and bone structures. A signed report will then be available to your physician 24 hours after your exam is completed. The physicans's office will inform the patient on how to obtain their results.
Exams commonly performed in PET/CT?
PET scans are used most often to detect cancer and to examine the effects of cancer therapy by characterizing biochemical changes in the cancer. These scans are performed on the whole body. PET scans of the heart can be used to determine blood flow to the heart muscle and help evaluate signs of coronary artery disease. PET scans of the heart can also be used to determine if areas of the heart that show decreased function are alive rather than scarred due to a prior heart attack, called a myocardial infarction. Combined with a myocardial perfusion study, PET scans differentiate nonfunctioning heart muscle from heart muscle that would benefit from a procedure, such as angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery, which would reestablish adequate blood flow and improve heart function. PET scans of the brain are used to evaluate patients who have memory disorders of an undetermined cause; who have suspected or proven brain tumors; or who have seizure disorders that are not responsive to medical therapy and, therefore, are candidates for surgery.