What is a PET-CT Scan?

Florida Hospital was the first hospital in Central Florida to offer advanced PETCT technology, a scan that combines PET and Spiral CT technologies into one single exam. The PET exam pinpoints cell activity, and the CT exam provides the exact anatomic location within the body. When these two scans are fused together, the nuclear medicine radiologist can, in most cases, determine in just one imaging session:

• Detect tumors as small as five millimeters - nearly three times smaller than masses seen on traditional scans - it is one of the most powerful radiological tools available.
• Where tumors are located throughout the body.
• Whether a mass is malignant or benign.
• Whether treatment is working.

PET-CT scans have revolutionized cancer care. They provide detailed information for diagnosis, treatment options, followup, and delivering vital data to:

• Locate the primary tumor site
• Grade the degree of malignancy
• Determine tumor staging
• Develop precise radiation treatment plans and monitor treatment success.

What Should I Expect During the Scan?

For the PET portion of the exam you will receive an injection of a glucose-like clear liquid contrast. It will take approximately 60 minutes for this to circulate through your body, which is necessary in order to perform the scan. Then you will lie on a padded table on the PET-CT scanner machine, which will move slowly through the tube-shaped scanner as it acquires the information needed to generate diagnostic images. The scan should last approximately 30 minutes. Plan to spend two or three hours with us.

How do I Prepare for a PET-CT Scan?

• Do not eat or drink anything except water for four to six hours before your exam, as it could interfere with the results. Do not even chew gum.
• If you have been advised not to take your medications on an empty stomach, you may eat a few soda crackers with your medicine four to six hours before your exam.
• Please let your care provider and Florida Hospital scheduler know if you are or think you might be pregnant or are currently breastfeeding.
• 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 bring this to our attention.

What Happens After my PET-CT Scan?

You may leave as soon as your exam is completed. Unless you have received special instructions, you may eat and drink immediately. In fact, drinking lots of fluids soon after the exam will help to remove any of the glucose tracer that may still be in your system. If your physician has prescribed any anti-anxiety medicine, please arrange to have someone drive you home from your exam. Otherwise, you may drive, resume normal activity and exercise, and take all prescribed medications.

Your scan will be reviewed by our nuclear medicine radiologist, and the results will be given to your physician. Once your doctor has reviewed the results, he/she will contact you. Be assured that PET-CT exams are a safe and effective diagnostic procedure.