We provide the following types of PET-CT scans:
- fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET
- florbetaben (amyloid) PET
- gallium PSMA (prostate) PET
- gallium dotatate (neuroendocrine) PET
- fluoro-ethylcholine (FEC) PET
- sodium fluoride (NAF) PET
A PET-CT scan is carried out by a nuclear medicine technologist or a PET-CT radiographer. These healthcare professionals are trained to handle and administer radioactive isotopes.
You will be given an injection of a radioisotope. Then, you will be asked to rest quietly in your own individual room for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours depending on the type of PET scan you are having. This is known as the uptake period, and it allows for the injection to circulate and localise in your body. Family and friends will need to wait outside in the waiting area, as there is a risk of unintended radiation exposure.
After this uptake period, you will then be brought into the scanning suite where the PET-CT scanner is. The scanner is shaped like a tunnel with openings on both ends. It is not as enclosed as an MRI scanner; however, if you are concerned about feeling claustrophobic, let the clinical team know beforehand.
During the scan, you will lie on a table that moves backwards or forwards slowly. The table will be positioned so that the part of your body that is being scanned is in the centre of the scanner. The scanner is quiet, and you can even request for some audio entertainment to be played such as music or a podcast.
The whole procedure can take up to two and a half hours, with the actual scan time taking between 15 to 30 minutes.
You must let us know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as this type of scan is not recommended.
When you arrive at the hospital, make sure you bring with you:
- a request from the doctor that referred you for a PET-CT scan, unless this has already been sent directly to the PET-CT department
- any images from previous PET-CT scans, or other scans such as MRI or CT – these may be useful in interpreting your scan
For some PET scans, you may need to fast for several hours before the scan. This means you won’t be able to eat any food or consume any fluids except water. This allows for the radioactive tracer to be absorbed into the body more effectively. You’ll be given full details on whether you are required to fast and for how long to fast for beforehand.
If you have diabetes, you will be given a late morning appointment, so you can have a light breakfast with your medication. This is to compensate for the fact that you may need to fast for your scan.
Avoid wearing clothing with lots of metal, such as zippers and buttons. Additionally avoid wearing jewellery, hair accessories, and watches as you will be required to remove them. You may be required to change into a hospital gown and empty your bladder before your scan.
As the appointment can take up to 2.5 hours, we recommend that you rest comfortably in your dedicated room as this helps to improve the diagnostic quality of your scan.
We will let you know at the time of the scan if there is anything special you need to do after the procedure. Usually, you’ll be able to leave the hospital straight away, and have something to eat.
The radioisotope will pass naturally out of your body fairly quickly. You should ensure you drink plenty of liquid and go to the toilet often, as this will help pass the radioisotope out of your body.
The amount of radiation in your body after the scan will be very small and there is little risk of contaminating other people.
A report will be sent the doctor who requested your scan, usually the next working day. You’ll be able to get the results of your scan at your next appointment.
If you are not eligible for a PET-CT scan, your consultant will explain alternative options. This may include:
