Why is this procedure done?
A PET scan and a CT scan are tests that take very clear pictures of the organs in the body. They can see how the inside of the body is working. Today, both of these scans can often be done at the same time using the same machine. These pictures allow the doctor to see more clearly what is going on inside your body. ‚
The test uses a small amount of a radioactive material. This is called a tracer. It helps make the pictures. ‚
This test is done to: ‚
- See how you are responding to treatment
- Diagnose cancer, heart problems, or brain problems
- Look for areas where there is poor blood flow to the heart
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What will the results be?
A doctor with special training in reading x-rays will look at the pictures. The doctor will be looking to see if there is a problem that needs treatment. Your doctor will review the findings and talk with you about the results. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will talk about your health history and do an exam. Talk to your doctor about:
- If you are pregnant or nursing
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- If you weigh more than 300 pounds. The machine has a weight limit.
- Your doctor may give you a drug to empty out your stomach and bowels before the procedure.
- Your doctor may ask you not to eat or drink anything for a few hours before the procedure. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes. Your doctor will give you special instructions.
- Tell your doctor if you have problems with small spaces. You may be given a drug that will help you to relax.
- You may be asked to take off anything metal. This would include jewelry, watch, hairpins, and hearing aids. You may also have to take out any removable dentures before the procedure.
What happens during the procedure?
- The staff will give you the tracer. It may be injected into your vein, swallowed, or breathed in. Talk to the doctor about which kind you will have.
- You will rest quietly for about 1 hour while the tracer moves through your body.
- You will lie on the narrow table of the machine. This table will slowly move into the hole of the machine. It takes pictures from many angles. You will hear noises while the pictures are being taken.
- You may be asked to hold your breath and stay very still for a few seconds while pictures are taken. It is important that you lie still. Moving may make the pictures blurry.
- The technician will guide you through the whole process from the next room. The machine has a speaker inside. This way, you and the technician can talk with each other.
- The procedure is painless. It most often takes less than 30 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- You may go home after the test.
- Have someone drive you home if you are given a drug to relax for the procedure.
- Your doctor will tell you how to remove the tracer in your body.
- Ask your doctor when the results will be ready.
What care is needed at home?
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day. This will help to get rid of the tracer from your body.
- Ask the doctor if you can carry on with your normal routine after the test.
What follow-up care is needed?
If you have not heard the results of your test within 1 week, call your doctor. The results will help your doctor understand what kind of problem you may have. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Tracer may have bad effects on people with kidney problems.
- Allergic reactions are rare.
Where can I learn more?
Cancer Research UK ‚
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-help/about-cancer/tests/petct-scan ‚
RadiologyInfo.org ‚
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=pet ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚