Our services
PET/CT Scan
PET/CT scans can reveal changes in the body that other imaging methods, such as ultrasound or x-ray, may not detect.
The images and reports from a PET/CT scan can assist doctors to identify early-stage disease, distinguish between living and dead tissue, differentiate benign from malignant tumours, assess blood flow and the function of brain and heart tissue, and evaluate infection and inflammation.
What is a PET/CT Scan?
PET-CT is a diagnostic tool which combines the functional information of a PET scan with the structural information of a CT scan to show the function of an organ or tissue.
A radioactive glucose is injected via a vein and is then absorbed by tissue into your body. The PET-CT scanner then detects the activity within your organs and how they function which will help your doctor plan the appropriate treatment for you.
A PET/CT scanner is a very specialized device. The scans from the PET camera show abnormal functioning disease within the body which is overlaid on the anatomical map provided by the CT scanner.
The combination of the two scans has been proven to be extremely sensitive for detecting the early stages of disease and can detect abnormalities even in the absence of structural change.
Small tumours may be found even if they are undetectable by other imaging procedures or CT imaging alone. This can have a major impact in choosing the best treatment methods.
PET/CT information can be used to determine what combination surgery, radiation therapy and / or chemotherapy is most likely to be successful in managing a patient’s condition. PET/CT can also help to monitor the effectiveness of therapy and assist planning for surgery and radiotherapy.
About Your Test
Before your appointment
- No food, chewing gum, mints lollies or vitamins for 6 hours prior to your appointment.
- Please remain well hydrated during this period. (Water only)
- Drink 1 litre of water 1 hour prior to your appointment time. Empty your bladder as required.
- No strenuous exercise for at least 12 hours prior to your appointment
- Wear warm, comfortable, loose fitting clothing (with no metal) to your appointment.
- You can take all your medication as normal. Do not stop any medication.
- If you maybe pregnant/breast feeding, please advise our staff.
If you are diabetic, patient preparation:
- No diabetes medication on the morning of your scan. Please check your levels prior to attending for your appointment.
- No food, chewing gum, mints lollies or vitamins for 6 hours prior to your appointment.
- Please remain well hydrated during this period. (Water only)
- Drink 1 litre of water 1 hour prior to your appointment time. Empty your bladder as required.
- No strenuous exercise for at least 12 hours prior to your appointment.
- Wear warm, comfortable, loose fitting clothing (with no metal) to your appointment.
- If you maybe pregnant/breast feeding, please advise our staff.
Claustrophobic patients should inform staff at the time of booking and bring a driver or utilise public transport.
On the day
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment and report to the reception desk. Once you have been arrived you will be called from the waiting room by one of our nursing staff and taken down to our PET/CT department. Within the department the toilets are clearly sign posted should you need them.
Our nursing staff will confirm with you that you have followed the preparation instructions and you will be given the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. There will be a questionnaire and consent form that will need to be completed. The technologist will also explain to you what will happen during the examination.
After your appointment
You can resume your normal diet after the examination.
The radioactive tracer will decay over time and your body will eliminate any residue through your kidneys and your bowel. You should drink plenty of water after your scan to assist eliminate the tracer.
Please ensure that you dual flush (flush twice) the toilet for 24 hours after your exam.
You will able to drive and return to normal activity after your examination.
Some of the radioactivity from your examination may deposit in your breast milk and be transferred to a breast feeding baby resulting in unnecessary exposure to radiation. We advise that you do not breastfeed for 24 hours after the administration of the radioactive Isotope.
It is advisable that you limit contact with small children and pregnant women for 6 hours after your scan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our reception staff will advise you at the time of booking of the exact requirements, including fasting, depending on your procedure.
The images obtained during the examination are provided to one of our Radiologists who interprets these and provides a written report to your doctor or healthcare provider.
Upon arrival, you will be asked to change into a gown and one of our Nuclear Medicine Technologists will complete a short questionnaire with you. A cannula will be inserted into a vein in your arm or hand. The technologist will then inject a radioactive tracer.
Depending on the examination type, you will then be required to rest quietly for 45-60 minutes in your own room in a comfortable recliner chair. Staff will be present throughout this time to monitor any needs you may have. Imaging takes 30-45 minutes.
Upon completion of the scan, a Nuclear Medicine Technologist will check the quality of the images whilst you change out of the gown. You will be provided with light refreshments during this time. Once the cannula has been removed, you may leave the clinic.
PET/CT imaging is only available at our Noosa clinic:
Noosa Civic Medihub, 28 Eenie Creek Rooad, Noosaville.
Open 8am – 5pm Mon-Fri
Prior to your scan and to ensure optimal imaging, you may be asked to change into a gown. A change cubicle will be provided to ensure your privacy and you will be asked to bring your belongings will you, carry baskets are provided. You will be asked to place your belongings in a suitable location within the room for the duration of your scan. After your scan, you will be provided with a change cubicle to ensure your privacy. Please ensure you have all your belongings with you prior to leaving the department. If you accidentally leave anything behind, please contact our staff to advise and we will endeavour to locate your belongings and return them to you.
Although imaging takes 30-45mins, we advise to allow 3 hours for an appointment.
Your images and report are provided through a secure online system to your doctor or healthcare provider. We will also provide you with a printed copy to take to your follow-up appointment with your doctor.
Our friendly reception staff will advise you on the cost of your procedure at the time of your booking.
Patient Safety
The amount of radioactivity used for PET imaging is very small, and remains within the body for several hours following the injection.
Side effects are extremely rare.
Patients should advise staff if they will be seeing small children (< 5yrs of age) or pregnant women on the day of your scan so you can receive specific instructions.
During your scan patients may be given contrast for the CT scan.
If sedation is required for your scan (claustrophobia) you will be unable to drive for 12 hours.
Patients should inform staff if you:
- Have an IV contrast allergy
- are asthmatic
- are diabetic