Patient Information

Why do I need this exam?

Your PET/CT exam results may have a major impact on your physician's diagnosis of a potential health problem - and, should a disease be detected, how a treatment plan is developed and managed. A PET/CT exam not only helps your physician diagnose a problem, it also helps predict the likely outcome of various therapeutic alternatives, pinpoint the best approach to treatment, and monitor your progress. If you're not responding as well as expected, you can be switched to a more effective therapy immediately.

Safety of PET/CT exams?

Be assured that PET/CT exams are a safe and effective diagnostic procedure. The radiopharmaceuticals used in PET don't remain in your system long, so there's no reason to avoid interacting with other people once you've left. To be extra safe, wait for a few hours before getting to close to an infant or anyone who's pregnant.

What preparations should I take before the scan?

It is requested that you arrive on time or a little early. It is not always possible to accommodate those who arrive late. The radiopharmaceutical FDG has to be prepared specifically for you the day of the PET/CT examination.

1. Avoid strenuous activities on the day before the PET/CT examination. Excessive muscular activity may interfere with interpretation of your scan.
2. Patients need to fast after midnight or at least six hours prior to their examination, with the exception of water you may need to take with any medications. Please refrain from chewing gum because it may interfere with the results of your scan.
3. If you take insulin to control your diabetes you will be scheduled for our early morning appointments, due to the fact that you must withhold taking your insulin the morning of your exam.
4. If you are a diabetic, please bring your medication and a light snack with you. Please make sure our staff is aware of your condition ahead of time.
5. Please remove all jewelry, hair pins, and clips prior to your exam. Wedding rings may remain if unable to easily remove.
6. Clothes must be free of metal zippers, snaps, etc…
7. Please be prepared to stay with us for approximately 2-3 hours.

What happens following the conclusion of the exam?

You may leave us as soon as the examination is complete. Unless you've received special instructions, you will be able to eat and drink immediately-drinking lots of fluids soon after the examination will help remove any of the radiopharmaceutical that may still be in your system.

What indications does Medicare approve?

Medicare will pay for the PET imaging scan for the following indications:

• Staging
• Monitoring tumor response to therapy

· Diagnosis · Staging · Restaging

• Diagnosis
• Staging
• Restaging

• Diagnosis
• Staging
• Restaging

• Diagnosis
• Staging
• Restaging

• Diagnosis
• Staging
• Restaging

• Diagnosis
• Staging
• Restaging

• Characterization

• Restaging recurrent or residual thyroid cancer of follicular cell origin