Signature Healthcare
Signature Healthcare has partnered with Shields Health to deliver state-of-the-art Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography to our patients.
Positron emission tomography/Computed Tomography, also called PET/CT imaging or a PET/CT scan, is a type of nuclear medicine imaging. PET/CT is the most advanced medical imaging technique available today. It combines PET’s ability to detect changes in cell activity with the fine structural detail that CT scans provide. This revolutionary technology enables your physician to detect the presence of disease earlier and pinpoint its location with much greater accuracy than PET or CT scans alone.
PET/CT scans provide a powerful tool for diagnosing and staging cancer as well as determining how effective treatment has been.
How Does It Work?
Growing cells use glucose, a form of sugar, as a major source of energy. In preparation for a PET/CT scan, patients are given a small amount of glucose that emits tiny particles called positrons. More active cells, such as cancer cells, use more glucose than normal cells and will have higher concentrations of positrons during the test. The PET/CT scan detects the positrons and creates highly detailed images that show the precise location of the abnormal cells and whether there is increased activity in the surrounding tissue. PET/CT scans provide remarkably clear pictures of what is happening in the body, often eliminating the need for additional tests and/or exploratory surgeries.
PET/CT studies of the entire body are used to evaluate malignant tumors. PET/CT has been used to evaluate a variety of cancers with an 85% to 95% degree of accuracy. The most common oncology applications include lung cancer, lymphoma, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, head and neck tumors, melanoma, and bone and soft tissue sarcoma. Once a tumor has been located, PET/CT is able to distinguish whether it is benign or malignant. Additionally, once a patient has undergone chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, PET/CT can assess how effective the treatment has been.
For more information visit: https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/pet
What location will my scan be done at?
When your appointment is scheduled by Shields Health you will be informed of the location of your scan.
Why did your doctor recommend this exam?
Your PET/CT exam results may have a major impact on your physician’s diagnosis of a potential health problem. If the exam detects a disease, the results can also help manage your treatment and return to health. A PET/CT study helps your physician predict the likely outcome of various therapeutic alternatives, pinpoint the best approach to treatment, and monitor your progress. Just ask your physician what he or she hopes to learn from your PET/CT exam.
How long does a PET/CT take?
The length of the exam is determined by your height and area of the body being scanned. Prior to the scan you will have to wait 30-90 minutes while the FDG travels through your body.Plan to spend approximately two hours at your exam, which includes completing all necessary paperwork.
Are there risks associated with PET/CT?
A PET/CT study is similar to many other diagnostic procedures, from X-ray to CT and nuclear medicine. Although the radiation you receive is different, it is roughly equivalent to what you would receive from other diagnostic imaging exams, such as a nuclear medicine exam and CT. Radiopharmaceuticals used in PET/CT do not remain in your system long. As a precaution, we recommend that you avoid close contact with infants or with someone who is pregnant for at least eight hours after the scan.
There are strict preparations guidelines for all patients especially diabetics, regarding what you can eat or drink before your exam. If you have questions regarding your preparation, contact the scheduling department for instructions. Guidelines for all patients include:
It is important that you make every effort to keep your scheduled appointment. If you must cancel or reschedule, notify our office at least 24 hours in advance. The FDG (sugar water with a radioactive tracer) used for your scan is prepared specifically for you and will have to be discarded if you fail to keep your appointment.
You will receive a small injection of FDG (sugar water with radioactive tracer). You will sit or lie down on a comfortable chair or bed for 30-90 minutes while the FDG travels throughout your body. During this time, a family member or loved one will be allowed to safely wait with you until it is time for your test. At this time the technologist will assist you to the scanner. The CT portion of the exam is completed first followed by the PET portion. You may be asked to hold your breath for several seconds while the CT scan is performed. It is important that you don’t move for the duration of the exam.
Unless you receive special instructions, you will be able to eat and drink immediately. Drinking lots of fluids will help flush the radiopharmaceutical out of your system over the next 24 hours. Proceed to take any medications as prescribed by your physician if need be. In the meantime, we will begin preparing the results for review by our diagnosticians, and then by your physician, who will tell you what we have learned.
Your physician will discuss the results with you or you may check the MyHealth Portal for results.
