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Your PET/CT Scan at University College Hospital
Understanding PET/CT Scans
Positron Emission Tomography combined with Computed Tomography, commonly known as PET/CT, is a sophisticated imaging technique that provides detailed information about your body's internal structures and function. This scan is particularly valuable in assessing conditions like cancer, heart disease, and brain disorders.
Preparation for Your Scan
Preparing for a PET/CT scan is straightforward but crucial for accurate results. Patients are typically advised to avoid eating for a few hours before the procedure. You may be instructed to follow a special diet and drink plenty of water the day before. It's essential to inform the medical team about any medications you're taking or if you have diabetes, as adjustments might be necessary.
During the Procedure
Upon arrival at University College Hospital, you will be greeted by our friendly staff who will guide you through the process. The first step involves administering a small amount of a radiotracer, usually through an injection. The radiotracer allows the PET/CT scanner to capture images of metabolic activity in your body. You will then need to rest quietly for about an hour as the tracer circulates.
The Scanning Process
During the scan, you will lie comfortably on a motorised table that moves slowly through the PET/CT scanner. It's important to remain still to ensure clear images. The scan itself is painless and typically takes 30 minutes to an hour. The images produced will help your doctor to accurately diagnose and plan the best course of treatment for your condition.
After the Scan
After your PET/CT scan, you can usually resume your normal activities immediately. Drinking plenty of fluids will help flush the radiotracer from your body. Your results will be analysed by a specialist, and your referring doctor will discuss the findings with you at a follow-up appointment. If you have any concerns after the scan, our team is here to support you.
Why Choose University College Hospital?
At University College Hospital, we are committed to providing state-of-the-art diagnostic services in a patient-centred environment. Our skilled radiologists and caring staff ensure that you receive the highest standard of care throughout your visit. Trust us to be your partner in health, offering advanced imaging solutions tailored to your needs.
Your PET/CT Scan at University College Hospital
Understanding PET/CT Scans
A PET/CT scan is a special test to look inside your body. It helps doctors check for problems like cancer or heart issues. The scan shows clear pictures of how your body works on the inside.
Preparation for Your Scan
Getting ready for your scan is important. Do not eat for a few hours before the scan. You might need to follow a special diet and drink lots of water the day before. Tell the doctors if you take any medicine or if you have diabetes, because you might need to change something.
During the Procedure
When you arrive at the hospital, nice staff will help you. You will get a small injection of a special liquid. This helps the scanner take pictures. You need to rest quietly for about an hour after the injection.
The Scanning Process
During the scan, you will lie down on a table that moves slowly. Stay still, so the pictures are clear. The scan does not hurt and it lasts for 30 minutes to an hour. The pictures will help your doctor decide how to treat you.
After the Scan
When the scan is over, you can return to your usual activities. Drink lots of water to help clean out the special liquid from your body. A specialist will check the pictures and your doctor will talk to you about the results. If you have any questions, our team is here to help.
Why Choose University College Hospital?
We want to give the best care at University College Hospital. Our doctors and staff are kind and skilled. We make sure you feel comfortable and get the right help during your visit. We are here to support your health with advanced tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
A PET/CT scan combines Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT) imaging. This allows doctors to see both the structure and function of organs and tissues in your body, helping to diagnose and manage various conditions, including cancers, heart disease, and brain disorders.
You will receive specific instructions from the hospital staff, but general preparations include fasting for a few hours before the scan, avoiding strenuous exercise, and informing your doctor of any medications or allergies.
During the scan, you will be asked to lie still on a table that slides into the PET/CT machine. It typically takes about 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the area being examined. You may feel a bit of discomfort from the injection of the tracer.
The risks are minimal. The amount of radiation you are exposed to during a PET/CT scan is relatively low and is considered safe for most patients. However, pregnant women should discuss potential risks with their doctors.
The entire procedure, including preparation and scanning, usually takes between 1 to 3 hours. The scanning itself generally lasts between 30 minutes and an hour.
You will usually be instructed to fast for at least 6 hours before the scan. You may be allowed to drink water, but it's best to follow the specific guidelines provided to you by the hospital.
You may be asked to wear a hospital gown or remove clothing containing metal objects, as metal can interfere with the imaging process. Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is recommended.
You should inform the medical staff about all medications you are taking. Some may need to be paused or adjusted, but others can be continued as usual. Always follow your doctor's instructions.
Results are usually interpreted by a radiologist and sent to your referring doctor within a few days. Your doctor will then discuss the findings with you and explain any further steps if necessary.
The scan itself is painless. You might feel a slight sting or discomfort when the tracer is injected and may need to remain still for the duration of the scan.
Yes, you can usually drive yourself home after the scan unless you have received sedative medication or feel unwell.
If you feel unwell after the scan, it's important to contact your doctor or the hospital where the scan was performed. They can provide you with guidance on what to do next.
Most people experience no side effects from the tracer. Rarely, some may have minor allergic reactions or feel a bit fatigued. Any concerns should be discussed with your doctor.
Typically, you can resume your normal activities immediately after the scan unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
Coverage for PET/CT scans varies by insurance provider. It's best to check with your insurance company or the hospital's billing department in advance to understand your coverage and any potential out-of-pocket costs.
A PET/CT scan is a special picture of the inside of your body. It uses two types of pictures: one shows how things look (CT) and the other shows how they work (PET). Doctors use these pictures to find out if you are sick or to see how a sickness like cancer, heart problems, or brain issues is doing.
The hospital team will tell you what to do. Here are some general tips: you might need to stop eating for a few hours before the scan. Don’t do hard exercise. Also, tell your doctor about any medicines you take and if you are allergic to anything.
When you have the scan, you will lie still on a table. The table goes into a big machine. It usually takes 30 minutes to two hours. It depends on what the doctor wants to look at. The injection might feel a bit uncomfortable.
The risks are very small. When you have a PET/CT scan, you get a tiny amount of radiation. This is safe for most people. But if you are pregnant, talk to your doctor about any risks.
The whole process takes about 1 to 3 hours. This includes getting ready and having the scan. The scan usually takes 30 minutes to 1 hour.
You will often need to stop eating for at least 6 hours before the scan. You might be allowed to drink water. It is important to follow the hospital's instructions.
You might need to wear special hospital clothes or take off clothes with metal bits, because metal can mess up the pictures. It’s best to wear comfy clothes that aren’t too tight.
Tell the doctors and nurses about all the medicine you take. Some medicine might need to be stopped or changed, but some you can keep taking. Always listen to what your doctor tells you to do.
A special doctor called a radiologist looks at the results. They send these results to the doctor who asked for the test. This usually happens in a few days. Your doctor will talk to you about what the results mean. They will also tell you if anything else needs to be done.
Here are some tips to help understand results:
- Ask the doctor to explain things with pictures or drawings.
- Use a support person to help remember what the doctor says.
- Take notes on what the doctor tells you.
- Ask questions if something is not clear.
The scan does not hurt. You might feel a small sting when the tracer is put in, and you may need to stay still during the scan.
It can help to take deep breaths to relax. Listening to music or using a fidget toy can make it easier to stay still.
Yes, you can usually drive yourself home after the scan. But if you took medicine that makes you sleepy, or if you feel sick, you shouldn't drive. Instead, ask someone to help you get home.
If you feel sick after the scan, it is important to tell your doctor or the hospital where you had the scan. They can help you understand what to do next.
Most people do not feel bad after getting the tracer. Sometimes, a few people might have a small allergy or feel a little tired. Talk to your doctor if you are worried.
You can usually go back to what you were doing right after the scan, unless your doctor tells you something else.
Different insurance companies pay for PET/CT scans in different ways. It is a good idea to call your insurance company or the hospital's billing office before your scan. This way, you can find out what your insurance will pay for and how much you might need to pay yourself.
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