You will be invited to attend the PET Department for your PET-CT Scan.
A PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography) is an imaging technique that uses a small amount of a radioactive tracer and allows us to see how organs and tissues are working inside the body. This provides 3D information and allows doctors to diagnose conditions, guide treatment and monitor treatment response.
The scan also incorporates a CT (Computed Tomography) scan at the same time, which uses x-rays to give us details of what your body looks like, so we can combine the two and see exactly where the radioactive tracer has gone. This means you will often see the procedure referred to as a PET-CT scan.
What will happen on the day of the procedure?
On arrival we will need to take a short medical history from you to ensure that you are correctly prepared for your procedure and to provide the doctor reading your scan with any extra information that we may not already have. Then you will be taken into one of our uptake cubicles where a small cannula will be inserted into a vein in your arm or hand. Through this cannula we administer a radioactive tracer, which takes less than a minute, after which it is important that you rest in the cubicle to allow the tracer to distribute around the body.
Whilst you are waiting, you will be able to read, listen to music through headphones, or use your phone on silent mode. Please be aware that you will not be able to make or receive any calls. As the wait is typically between 60-90 minutes, we recommend bringing a book, magazine or other quiet activity to keep you occupied.
After the period of uptake time has elapsed, we will ask you to empty your bladder and remove any metal items, such as jewellery, wallet or keys before performing the scan. The PET-CT scan takes approximately 10-25 minutes depending on the type of scan, and you will need to keep still during this time. We will use cushioning and support where appropriate to help make you feel comfortable.
Staff you are likely to meet
We have a skilled team of PET-CT radiographers and technologists who perform the injections and the scans and look after you during your time in the department. We also have clinical support workers, radiologists, medical physicists and administrative staff who all work together to help deliver your care.
The department also trains student technologists and radiographers. All trainees are closely supervised by a qualified member of staff at all times. If you would prefer not to be scanned by a trainee, please let us know - your care will not be affected.
How long will I be in the department?
Most examinations take 1.5-2.5 hours. Please arrive a few minutes before your appointment to allow time to be checked in at the PET department reception desk. Please note that it may not be possible to perform you scan if you arrive late for your appointment.
On some occasions there is a delay or failure in the production of the radioactive tracer we require for these tests. Due to the very short shelf-life of these, they must be produced on the same day and are then shipped out to us, so are subject to issues at the production site or transport delays which may result in a significant delay or possible late cancellation of your procedure. We mitigate this as much as possible and will inform you as soon as we can about any tracer supply problems.
Preparation for procedure/ examination
For many of our tests there will be some preparation required which often includes a period of avoiding food and drinks other than water. Please refer to the instructions for your particular PET-CT scan below.
We recommend wearing something loose and comfortable and leaving jewellery and other valuables at home.
Benefits
PET-CT combines two types of imaging in one scan. Your doctors get functional information from the PET scan as well as organ anatomy from the CT scan to check if your organs and tissues are functioning normally. A PET-CT scan may help to confirm or rule out a suspected diagnosis.
Risks
The scan involves an injection of a small amount of a radioactive tracer which will remain in your body for a few hours. This radiation can cause cell damage that can, after many years or decades, contribute to the development of cancerous cells. This procedure carries only a very small chance of this happening to you.
Your doctor will have considered the risks and benefits of having this test before referring you to us. The benefits of the test outweigh the potential risks.
Please discuss this with the staff on the day of your appointment if you have any concerns.
More details about the different PET scans/procedures
Accessibility requirements
If you need any additional support for your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible. For example, you may require assistance because you find it difficult to hear, see or be understood by others, or have any physical access needs such as requiring a hoist for transfers. We will do our best to make reasonable adjustments to ensure your visit is as comfortable and straightforward as possible.
Please contact the department before your appointment on 01223 349222 to discuss any support you need.
You can also contact the CUH Accessibility Team for advice and support:
- Email the accessibility team
- Telephone: 01223 256998.
Pregnancy status
We have a legal responsibility to enquire if you are pregnant prior to going ahead with any PET Scan. Any patient aged between 12-55 years will be asked if there is a possibility they could be pregnant.
This is important for us to know before you have your examination involving ionising radiation.
You can discuss this with a healthcare professional in private if you wish.
Bringing someone with you
Those accompanying you will not be able to join you once we take you through for the injection and will therefore need to remain in the waiting area or meet up with you once your procedure has finished.
Exceptions may apply, such as for paediatric patients or if you have a full-time carer. Please ensure that nobody pregnant (or who thinks they may be) accompanies you for your scan.
Childcare whilst in the department
Please make alternative arrangements for the care of your children whilst you attend for your procedure/examination. Due to the radioactive nature of our injections, we cannot allow children in our waiting area at any time unless they are the patient. If you attend an appointment with children with no one to look after them whilst you have your examination/ procedure, then your appointment will unfortunately have to be cancelled and rescheduled.
Personal belongings
Patients are advised to only bring minimal belongings and avoid bringing valuable items.
What happens after your appointment?
Upon finishing the scan, you will be free to leave as soon as it is finished and will be able to eat, drink and take any medications as normal. There are often some radiation protection precautions we will ask of you which involves limiting close contact with children and anyone pregnant for a short period of time afterwards.
How, when and by whom will my results be communicated?
Once your scan is complete, the report will be written and sent to the referring doctor or clinical team who requested the examination. They will need to review the results and any other tests they may have ordered for you, so please allow a week before you hear back. Your referring clinician or team will be responsible for discussing the results with you.
Test results are made available on MyChart. Please note that there is a 3 week delay between the report being completed and it appearing on MyChart. This delay allows your clinical team time to review and act on the findings prior to them being released to the individual patient.
Are there any alternative tests?
PET scans give very specific functional information about your body. There are no equivalent tests.