Understanding PET/CT Scans
Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) uses a small amount of radioactive material and a special camera to create images of the inside of your body. Unlike other imaging tests that show the structure of organs and tissues, a PET scan also shows how they are functioning. These images help your physician diagnose cancer, heart disease, and gastrointestinal, endocrine and neurological disorders.
Accredited PET/CT You Can Trust
At ThedaCare, we’re committed to providing PET/CT imaging services that meet the highest national standards for accuracy, safety and expert interpretation.
Encircle Health in Appleton is accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR) for both PET scans and CT imaging. This accreditation means experienced technologists perform imaging using advanced equipment, and board-certified radiologists review results.
ACR accreditation reflects our dedication to quality care that’s been independently evaluated and nationally recognized, so you can feel confident you’re receiving reliable results and exceptional service every step of the way.
Preparing for Your PET/CT Scan
You’ll receive a reminder phone call with necessary prep instructions and directions to the department.
It’s important to carefully follow these instructions so your scan produces the most accurate results.
Your provider may ask you to:
- Not eat for 4 to 6 hours before your scan (including gum and mints)
- Drink plenty of water before your appointment
- Avoid beverages containing sugar or calories, including soda, juice, energy drinks and alcohol
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours before your exam
- Continue or temporarily stop certain medications as directed by your provider
Please let your care team know before your appointment if you:
- Are pregnant or think you may be pregnant
- Are breastfeeding
- Have diabetes (you may receive special instructions regarding food and medications)
- Have had an allergic reaction to contrast dye
- Have claustrophobia or anxiety about being in small spaces
- Have recently been ill or have any significant medical conditions
Following your preparation instructions carefully helps ensure the best possible imaging results.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
You will receive a small amount of radioactive material through a small injection in the vein of your arm and rest comfortably in an easy chair or on a gurney for 45 to 60 minutes. You’ll then lie still on an imaging table as the PET/CT system takes the images. The entire imaging session may take 90 minutes to two hours to complete.
After Your PET/CT Scan
Most people can return to their normal daily activities immediately after the exam.
If you received medication to help you relax, you’ll need someone to drive you home.
To help flush the tracer from your body, drink plenty of water or other clear fluids for several hours after your scan. The small amount of radioactive material used during the exam is considered safe and will naturally leave your body over time.
PET/CT Scan Results
A board-certified physician reviews your images and provides the results to your ordering provider. You’ll be notified of results. If you have MyThedaCare, you can view and reference your results there as well. Your provider will contact you if you require any follow-up.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your ordering provider. We’re here to help and ensure you have the support you need.
To locate your ordering provider in MyThedaCare, simply log in and check the “Visits” or “Test Results” sections, where the provider is typically listed. You may also find this information under “Messages” or “Care Team.”
If you’re still unsure, feel free to send a message through MyThedaCare, and a member of our staff will be happy to assist you further.
