PET CT scans are an important imaging tool for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, heart disease and brain disorders. PET stands for Positron Emission Tomography, and CT stands for computed tomography.
A PET scan detects overactivity in certain parts of the body, while a CT scan provides detailed information about the position of this activity in various organs or structures inside the body. When combined, these two scans provide valuable diagnostic information, enabling doctors to make more informed decisions about treatments.
This test uses a small amount of a harmless radioactive substance to help create these images.
PET/CT scan at Blackrock Health
At Blackrock Health, we understand that waiting for diagnostic results can be stressful. That is why we offer fast access to our state-of-the-art PET/CT scanning centres in our Blackrock and Galway clinics. We are committed to ongoing investment in radiology imaging. By offering some of the most advanced scanning technology, we provide accurate and timely diagnoses.
Our team of experts has the expertise to perform, analyse, and report on the widest range of diagnostic procedures ensuring we offer the highest standards of care and support. Whether you need routine tests or more urgent imaging, we give you the reassurance of a result with the least possible delay.
Referral for PET/CT scanning is by consultant only.
Why might my consultant refer me to a Blackrock Health PET/CT clinic?
There are many reasons you might be referred for a PET/CT scan. Some common ones include:
Checking for cancer or monitoring its progress.
Finding out if a cancer treatment is working.
Investigating problems with your heart or brain, like heart disease or memory issues.
Helping doctors plan surgery or other treatments.
Checking for infections or inflammation in your body.
A PET/CT scan is useful in revealing or evaluating conditions including cancers, heart disease and brain disorders.
How does PET/CT imaging work?
The PET/CT scan procedure involves injecting a small amount of radioactive material (called the radiotracer or radioisotope) into the body. This material is then absorbed by the cells in the body and produces a signal that can be detected by the scanner.
The PET/CT scan imaging is produced when the scanner detects the signals (radiation) given off by the radiotracer. The scan can track the presence of this substance as it passes through different parts of your body.
In most PET/CT scans a radiotracer called fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) is used. This is similar to naturally occurring glucose (a type of sugar), so your body treats it in a similar way.
By analysing the areas in which the radiotracer may or may not be active, it is possible to work out how well certain body functions are working and identify any abnormalities. For example, a concentration of FDG in the body’s tissues can help identify cancerous cells. This is because cancer cells use glucose at a much faster rate than normal cells.
Is the radiation dangerous?
Exposure to large amounts of radiation can be harmful. There is no direct evidence that low exposures to radiation are harmful, but it is considered sensible to limit exposures to the lowest amount possible.
All staff involved in the medical exposure of patients are highly trained to ensure the radiation dose delivered as part of the scan is as low as achievable while ensuring we can get high quality diagnostic images.
It is the duty of doctors who order scans, and radiology staff who carry out the scans to ensure that the scans are justified. This means that staff must ensure that when scans are ordered, the benefits from making the right diagnosis and consequently giving you the right treatment outweigh any small risk involved.
If treatment decisions depend on findings, then the risk to your health from not having the scan is likely to be much greater than that from the scan itself.
Blackrock Health uses the referral criteria, ‘iRefer Guidelines, Making the Best Use of Clinical Radiology.’ These guidelines are considered when requesting a diagnostic radiology/nuclear medicine examination which means that you receive the most useful test to diagnose your condition.
What to expect on the day of your PET/CT scan
Preparation for your appointment
PET/CT scans are carried out on an outpatient basis. This means you will not need to stay in hospital overnight.
It is important to arrive on time for your scan as the radiotracer used has a short shelf-life and your scan may be cancelled if you are late.
Your appointment letter will include all preparation needed before your appointment. You will be advised not to eat anything for 6 hours beforehand.
Drinking is allowed; however, you may only drink plain, unflavoured water. You should also avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours before your appointment.
We advise you to wear loose, comfortable clothes. It may be possible to wear these during the scan, although you may be asked to change into a hospital gown.
Avoid wearing jewellery and clothes that have metal parts, such as zips, because these will need to be removed.
The PET/CT scan
Radiotracer injection
Before the scan, the radiotracer is injected into a vein in your arm or hand. You will need to then rest quietly for about an hour, in an uptake room, to allow the radiotracer to be absorbed by the cells in your body.
It is important to relax, keep as still as possible, and to avoid talking or reading while you wait as these activities will affect the radiotracer uptake in the brain and have an impact on the resultant scan.
You will be asked to go to the toilet before having the scan, so there is not a normal collection of the radiotracer in the bladder, which might obscure surrounding structures.
The scan
During the scan, you will lie on a flatbed that is moved into the centre of the large, cylindrical scanner.
You must stay still while the scan takes place.
The scan can take up to 30 minutes. Having the scan is completely painless, but you may feel uncomfortable lying still for this long.
The operating radiographer can see and hear you throughout your scan. If you feel unwell or need assistance at any point you can signal or call out to the radiographer, and they will be with you immediately.
After the scan and aftercare
You should not experience any side effects after having a PET/CT scan and can go home soon afterwards.
Patients should drink plenty of fluids and empty their bladder frequently. When using the toilet they should avoid spills, flush twice and wash their hands thoroughly.
Nursing mothers should express and discard breast milk for the length of time the radiographer advises and ideally arrange for someone to look after the baby for the rest of the day.
The results of your scan will not be available on the same day; however, they will be sent to your referring consultant within 48 hours of your scan.
After the PET/CT scan – precautions to take
The injected radioactivity can remain in the patient’s body up to 8 hours after injection. It is excreted from the body via the kidneys and urine. For this reason, certain aftercare and precautions are recommended for the patient and people who come into close contact with the patient (i.e. people referred to as comforters and carers).
Even though the amount of radiation that comforters and carers might potentially be exposed to is very low, the following precautions are recommended:
The patient should avoid close contact with pregnant women and young babies for 8 hours.
Comforters and carers should avoid direct continuous contact with the patient, particularly in the case of a child sitting on your lap watching television.
The patient should not undergo any non-urgent investigations and treatments that would involve close staff contact with the patient for periods longer than 30 minutes. Such treatments or examinations should be postponed for at least 6 hours post-injection.
The patient should not undergo blood tests, urine samples and surgery. These events should be postponed for 24 hours post-injection. Clinical urgency, in some circumstances, may allow for exceptions.
FAQs
Is a PET/CT scan safe?
PET/CT scans are safe and well-tolerated when performed by our trained healthcare professionals. The amount of radiation exposure from the radioactive tracer used in the scan is minimal and considered safe for most patients. However, pregnant women and individuals who are breastfeeding should inform us before undergoing a PET/CT scan.
How long does a PET/CT scan take?
The duration of a PET/CT scan varies depending on the specific exam and the area of the body being imaged. Typically, the entire procedure, including preparation, imaging, and post-processing, takes 1-2 hours.
Are there any risks or side effects associated with a PET/CT scan?
PET/CT scans are considered safe for most patients, and serious complications are rare. However, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to the tracer substance, mild discomfort from lying still during the procedure, or anxiety related to the imaging process. It is important to inform us of any allergies or medical conditions before undergoing the scan.
How do I access diagnostic services?
How do I get this?
PET CT requires a consultant referral letter before you make an appointment.
My health insurance and costs for diagnostic services
Is this insured?
Not all services are covered by every health insurance plan. To find out if you're covered, please check your health insurance benefits before your visit. You can do this by contacting your health insurer, or checking with our booking team who will contact you after your consultant's referral letter has been protocolled.
How do I pay?
If you do not have health insurance or your health plan does not cover the full cost, you will need to pay the balance due before your treatment or procedure. You may be able to claim back some fees on your insurance. To pay an excess not covered by your insurance or any other fees, please visit our payment page. If you have any queries about paying for your care, please contact the finance team in your hospital.