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What to expect during your PET/CT scan...


Starting June 16, Ingham will share a Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) scanner with several other McLaren Health Care Corporation hospitals to offer the latest technology advances in showing chemical activity within organs and tissues. A PET/CT scan can be useful in advanced evaluation of heart disease, infections, cancers, pulmonary, gastrological or neurological conditions, and certain inflammatory diseases.

PET/CT scans will be offered every other Monday at the Greenlawn campus. Tests are by physician order. Physician offices can schedule PET/CT scans by calling (517) 975-2695 or faxing the order to (517) 975-2909. Patients will receive a telephone call two days prior the the test to review preparation instructions and directions.

A PET/CT scan is usually an outpatient procedure. The prescribing physician will write orders for the test. A general rule is not to eat anything a minimum of four hours prior to the test.

The test uses nuclear (radionuclide) scanning. Glucose is combined with a radioactive tracer and injected into the bloodstream. The scanner images areas of the body using more glucose. The radioactive substance emits tiny amounts of radiation, or positrons. The positrons are detected by the PET/CT scanner, showing how much of the radioactive substances the targeted organ or tissue is taking up, and its metabolic activity.

The CT scan combo of computerized x-rays can convert two-dimensional images into three dimensions, so images show function through PET, and anatomical reference through CT.

What To Expect During a PET/CT Scan

  • A nurse or technologist takes you into the PET/CT Scanning Room. The scanner looks like a large doughnut, with a hole in the middle. Within the machine are multiple rings of detectors to record emission of energy from the radioactive substance injected into your body;
  • Claustrophobic patients may ask their referring physician for medication to be administered prior to the test, so they can remain still.
  • Lie down on the exam table and receive an IV radioactive injection. It takes about 30 minutes for the radiotracer to travel through your body and be absorbed by the oxygen or tissue to be imaged. Rest quietly during this time period;
  • You'll be moved into the hole of the machine. Images are displayed on a nearby computer monitor;
  • The test takes 30-45 minutes.
  • After the procedure, you'll be asked to drink fluids to wash the radioactive substance from your body.
Patients can resume normal activity after the test.


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