Radiology Regional offers state of the art PET/CT imaging on a state-of-the-art Siemens Biograph Horizon scanner. With this advanced imaging, our team of expert physicians can improve the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases.
Common PET/CT studies include:
PET/CT stands for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) used in combination with Computerized Tomography (CT). It is an advanced diagnostic study that produces images of the body’s cellular functions. Instead of detecting changes in the physical size or structure of internal organs, as other imaging technologies (X-Ray, CT, MRI), the PET/CT scan assesses and measures changes in metabolic function. Since these functional changes may take place before physical changes occur, PET/CT can often provide information that enables your physician to make an earlier diagnosis of diseases or abnormalities.
PET/CT scans use a glucose tracer. These tracers journey through the body and collect in cells with increased metabolism. All cells use glucose, however, diseased cells, such as cancerous cells, use it faster than healthy cells. The PET/CT scanner produces images of the diseased tissues that have absorbed the glucose tracer. The CT component of the scan better visualizes and localizes organs to determine cancerous cells.
PET/CT is a safe and accepted method for imaging many forms of cancer, including lung, colorectal, melanoma, ovarian, lymphoma, and recurrent brain cancer. It can also be used to assess heart disease and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and some forms of epilepsy.
Oftentimes, a clinical care team will help facilitate the scheduling of your first PET/CT appointment. All PET/CT studies require a script from a physician or healthcare provider. Due to the complexity of these scans, there will be specific questions based on what your physician is looking for and the type of radioactive tracer needed.
Your scheduler will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for your exam. You will also receive a call 1-2 days prior to confirm the preparation details with you.
After you check in at the scheduled office, our licensed technologist will escort you into the imaging area, where you will receive an injection containing a glucose tracer. The scan begins approximately 40-60 minutes after this injection. You will be asked to lie comfortably on the PET/CT scan table and to remain very still in order to obtain the best quality images. The bed of the PET/CT scanner will move slowly through the circular opening of the camera. The imaging process should be completely pain-free and may last anywhere from 15 to 120 minutes.
Patients should be prepared to spend two to three hours at our facility from check-in through release.
Southwest Florida’s clear choice for expert care, quality service, and advanced technology in advanced PET/CT imaging.
