InnerVision PET Center
Positron Emission Tomography, or PET, is a special type of nuclear medicine exam that looks at biochemical and physiological changes in tissues related to metabolism. PET can sometimes see changes in tissues before they are seen with other imaging techniques, such as CT or MRI, because these techniques look for changes in anatomy. PET scans can also examine the whole body with one scan and can therefore produce pictures of many functions of the body unobtainable by other imaging tests.
One of the primary uses of PET is in the diagnosis and staging of cancer. The most dangerous aspect of cancer is its ability to spread to other parts of the body. Whole body PET scans can inspect all organ systems of the body to search for cancer in a single exam. If the cancer has spread, PET can reveal it. In some cases this may mean patients will be spared unnecessary surgery. Follow-up scans can reveal if cancer has reoccurred and can also be used to see how well a cancer is responding to treatment.
PET can also be used to help tell if a nodule in the lungs is cancerous. In many cases, the results of a PET scan may prevent an unnecessary biopsy or surgery.
PET also has applications in evaluating heart disease by helping to show which patients will benefit from heart bypass surgery. PET scans can also be used to help doctors make an early diagnosis in Alzheimer's disease. PET scans show a consistent pattern for Alzheimer's disease which can often be recognized several years before a physician is able to confirm the diagnosis and can be used to differentiate Alzheimer's from other types of dementia or depression.
To learn more about PET, visit the web site of the Academy of Molecular Imaging at www.unitypet.net.
Preparation for an Upcoming Exam:
For all exams, please tell your doctor and InnerVision if you are pregnant or think you are pregnant.
- Usual preparation involves fasting for six hours on the day of the exam although you are encouraged to drink as much water as possible to arrive well hydrated
- Avoid all beverages with caffeine, alcohol and sugar
- Do NOT chew gum or have hard candy the day of the exam as these can interfere with exam results
- Take any prescribed medications on the day of your test unless told not to
- No smoking the day of your exam
- Drink at least 2 to 4 large glasses of water before the scan. You do not have to arrive with a full bladder
- Wear comfortable clothing and leave all jewelry at home
- Tell your doctor if you are diabetic
- Do not perform any strenuous activity or exercise the day of your exam. For example, do not run from your car to the PET center if you are late! Muscle activity can interfere with the results of your exam
What to Expect on the Day of Your Exam:
Please arrive at your scheduled appointment time. While you will NOT have to go through a lengthy registration process, you will need to fill out a brief information sheet.
The exam will begin with the technologist injecting you with the PET imaging agent, called FDG (which is a sugar molecule combined with a radioisotope). Because the radioisotope used in the PET scan is short-lived, the amount of radiation exposure is about the same as from two chest x-rays. After the injection, you will be asked to sit in a comfortable chair in a quiet room for about two hours while the FDG distributes throughout your body. You will then be placed on the PET scanner table and a series of pictures will be taken. Scanning usually takes just under an hour.
Before you leave, your images will be reviewed by one of our board certified radiologists who may ask the technologist to obtain additional pictures. This is not uncommon and should be no cause for alarm. After all of the images have been obtained a radiologist with special training in PET will give a timely report to your doctor.
You will be given an opportunity to fill out an evaluation of our services and make suggestions for improvement.
Please contact us at 765-447-7447 or visit us on the web at www.unitypet.net
