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Department | | Radiology |
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Procedure/Test Name | | Pet Scan |
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Procedure Overview/Details | | For additional information, go to:
Radiology Info Website
You need to check into the MRI Department for this procedure. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is an imaging technique that assists in the diagnosis and management of many diseases. PET allows physicians to examine the whole patient, by producing pictures of the functions of the human body unobtainable through other imaging techniques. These images show body metabolism and other functions rather than simply the gross anatomy and structure revealed by conventional X-rays or CT scans.
Whole body PET imaging uncovers abnormalities that might otherwise go undetected, thereby guiding physicians to the most appropriate treatment. For example, PET can detect tumors unseen by other imaging techniques.
How Accurate is PET?
PET is very accurate in showing the presence or spread of many malignant tumors. For example, it is more accurate in detecting the spread of lung cancer and colon cancer than any other imaging method. It is also highly accurate in evaluating recurrent breast cancer, melanoma, lymphoma, ovarian cancer, brain cancer, pancreatic cancer, and tumors of the head and neck.
How Does the Procedure Work?
The PET images are created through the combined use of three state-of-the-art instruments: a cyclotron, a whole-body scanner and a computer.
The cyclotron produces short-lived, radioactive isotopes. These isotopes are compounded into radiotracers by an automated chemisty module. After passing quality assurance testing and being administered intravenously, these tracers accumulate in specific places in the body.
The scanner records the position of the tracer as the positrons (the positively charged electrons) interact with electrons in the body, creating radiation that can be detected outside the body. A computer reconstructs the patters of detected radioactivity into three-dimensional pictures of the body.
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Preparation | | MGHS PETSCAN CHECKLIST…REVISED 2/22/08
For Physican Offices:
q Fax the PET SCAN order form and if possible a recent History and Physical to Central Scheduling at 906-225-4479
q Order prescription of Xanax or Ativan to decrease muscle tension and decrease chance of muscle uptake of the FDG that could cause distortion of the PET SCAN. TELL THE PATIENT TO BRING WITH THEM—DO NOT TAKE AHEAD OF TIME. They will be instructed when the correct time to take the medication is by the PET SCAN technician.
q Xanax 0.5 mg x 1 tab at time of injection if <150 lbs.
q Xanax 1 mg x 1 tab at time of injection if >150 lbs.
For patients on Xanax already, use Ativan:
q Ativan 0.5 mg x 1 tab prior to injection if <150 lbs.
q Ativan 1 mg x 1 tab prior to injection if >150 lbs.
For patients that can’t tolerate Xanax or Ativan, order:
q Benadryl 25 mg IVP x 1 dose at time of injection.
For Patients:
q You are required to have a DRIVER (because of the Xanax, Ativan, or Benadryl) for the day of the PET SCAN.
q The following guidelines ensure that the quality of your scan is optimal. Failure to follow the below instructions could results in the cancellation of your exam or an exam that isn’t of optimal quality.
48 Hours Prior to your exam
§ No strenuous exercise
24 Hours Prior to your exam
§ No caffeine
12 Hours Prior to your exam
§ Stay on low-carbohydrate diet (see below for guide)
§ No gum chewing or mints
6 Hours Prior to your exam
§ Do NOT eat anything
§ Drink 2 to 6 glasses of water
§ Take any prescribed medications as usual
§ If you are diabetic, please consult your doctor for questions regarding your medications
Low-Carbohydrate Diet Guidelines –Diet to follow 12 hours prior to your exam
Foods ALLOWED:
*All meats *Hard Cheeses
*Unsweetened Peanut Butter *Diet Soda, caffeine free
*Tofu *Eggs
*Oil, margerine, butter
*Non-starchy vegetables(broccoli, spinach, green beans)
Foods NOT ALLOWED:
*Cereals *Pasta
*Dry Beans *Fruit and fruit juices
*Sugar and candy *Breads
*Rice *Gravies
*Jams and jellies *Honey
*Alcohol *Starchy vegetables (peas, corn, potatoes)
*Milk *coffee or tea
q Please bring your prescription of Ativan, Xanax, or Benadryl with you. DO NOT TAKE AHEAD OF TIME. The technician will instruct you when to take.
q If you are ADMITTED TO THE HOSPITAL and have a scheduled PET SCAN that falls during your stay, notify a nurse on the unit asap to make special transportation arrangements and diet modification.
q If you are staying at the Beacon House, hotel, or anyplace other than your home number, please provide that number to Central Scheduling at 906-225-3551 or 1-800-562-9753 ext. 3551. There is a chance that we may need to contact you the day before your exam, during the night, or very early in the morning. Our PET scan injections are flown each morning from Milwaukee. Unfortunately, problems do occur at the manufacturing site, as well as unseasonable weather between Marquette and Milwaukee. In these instances, the drug may not reach us and we wouldn’t be able to do your test. We do our best to try to reach you before traveling.
q Do not wear anything metal. This includes jeans, any jewelry except wedding rings, underwire bras, belts, suspenders, rivets on clothing. Hearing aides are fine and glasses will be removed prior to the exam.
q Your exam will take approximately 2 to 3 hours.
Check in to the MRI department at Marquette General Hospital 15 minutes prior.
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After Procedure Instructions | | You are NOT to be in close contact with anyone pregnant for 24 hours AFTER your Pet Scan. |
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Directions for Departments | | Directions to PET SCAN from PARKING LOT A:
Park in Parking Lot A (the parking lot which is to the east of the Robert C. Neldberg building, 580 W. College Avenue). Directly across the street is the “East Entrance”, this is labeled by a brown and white sign. Enter through the East Entrance and go forward to the hallway. Once in the hallway, take a left and this will lead you directly to MRI. The Pet Scanner is behind the MRI unit, but check in at the MRI desk. |
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