A PET/CT scan requires the injection of a small amount of a radiopharmaceutical into your bloodstream. There is no danger from this injection. The radiation exposure associated with PET/CT is similar to that of a conventional CT scan.
After you have received your injection, you will rest for about an hour to allow the injected material to be distributed through your body. You will then receive a CT exam followed by a PET scan on the same piece of equipment.
Tell your doctor or the technologist performing the exam if:
Although a PET/CT scan typically takes about 30 minutes, your entire visit can last up to two or three hours.
During the scan, you will be positioned upright on an exam table. A nurse or technologist will insert an intravenous (IV) line into a vein in your hand or arm, the dose of radiopharmaceutical is then injected intravenously.
It will take approximately 60 minutes for the radiopharmaceutical to travel through your body and be absorbed by the organ or tissue being studied. You will be asked to rest quietly, avoiding movement and talking.
You will then be moved into the PET/CT scanner and the imaging will begin. You will need to remain still during imaging. The CT exam will be done first followed by the PET scan.
When the examination is complete, you may be asked to wait until the technologist verifies that they have all necessary images; then your IV will be removed.
A radiologist will review your exam images and report the findings to your doctor. Your doctor will then discuss the findings and next steps with you.