Positron Emission Tomography (PET) & Computed Tomography (CT)
Combined Diagnostic Imaging
PET-CT
PET-CT combines two types of scans i.e. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT).
PET is a specialised type of nuclear medicine study. This type of scan uses special cameras to capture images of the radioactively labelled substances and information regarding the functioning of the cells of the body.
CT is an x-ray examination that provides detailed information about the structure of the human body and together with multi-detector CT technology, can exquisitely visualise the anatomy of the various organs and tissues.
PET-CT combines two types of scans – Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT) – into a single modality. It merges the information gathered from both scans to provide a unique view of the functioning and structure of the body. This combined anatomical and metabolic imaging is particularly important when imaging cancers.
When making your appointment, please consult with our expert team regarding any preparation that may be required for your procedure.
What to Expect
Your Visit Step by Step
When making your booking at any of our branches, our friendly staff will inform you of what you need to do in order to prepare for your examination.
On the day of the exam, you will be asked to change into a gown prior to the examination. We, therefore, encourage patients to wear comfortable clothes and to leave jewellery at home. Except for intravenous injections, most PET CT procedures are painless and are rarely associated with significant discomfort or side effects.
On the day of your procedure, an injection of the radioactive sugar is administered and you will be asked to lie down on a bed or to sit in a chair for 60-90 minutes while the sugar travels through the body. It is important to be as still as possible during this time.
You will then be taken to the scanner room where the radiographer will position you in the scanner where you will remain for the duration of the scan.
How long will the scan take:
It is very difficult to predict the exact time you will spend with us. Many factors need to be considered when calculating how long it takes, these include:
External factors:
Amount of traffic during delivery of the radiopharmaceutical as fresh doses are manufactured elsewhere and delivered daily, technical or hardware difficulties that are beyond our control – we do have an excellent team on standby for assistance should this happen.
Patient factors:
If we struggle to find a suitable vein for injection, a very sick patient, if a patient suffers from claustrophobia or anxiety. It is advisable that you do not make any other appointments on the same day as the PET/CT scan. Although we give you a time for arrival this is just an estimate, we do try to stick to this, but please be patient if we are unable to do so. It would be best if you are not in a hurry and bring along some entertainment.
The full procedure take around 2 – 2.5 hours from time of injection until you are dressed and ready to go home.
Before and after the PET CT
Before the PET-CT
You will typically be asked to fast for 6 hours prior to the examination, although water and any medications that can be tolerated on an empty stomach is allowed.
No strenuous exercise is to be performed during the 24 hours prior to your appointment.
On the day of your procedure, an injection of the radioactive sugar is administered and you will be asked to lie down on a bed or to sit in a chair for 60-90 minutes while the sugar travels through the body.
After the PET-CT
The patient may resume normal daily activity. The radioactively labelled substance, FDG will leave your body fairly rapidly. Consuming lots of water after the scan will help this process.
How to request a PET-CT
How to request a PET-CT:
PET CT request form
Please complete the form as thoroughly as possible and share it with your preferred branch to book.
The Morton team will assist with obtaining the booking and confirming the patient’s appointment.
The form will be shared with medical aid for authorisation, should the patient:
– have a oncology benefit available, the medical aid authorisation usually takes 3 – 5 working days, but this can depend on the medical aid or the indication for the scan. Further documents are often requested by the medical aid or the request is sent to the clinical advisor of the medical aid – this may cause a delay in authorisation. This emphasises the importance of completing an in depth clinical history including attachments of histology reports, radiology reports and other relevant procedures.
– NOT be on medical aid, and they would like to pay cash for the investigation, please state this on the request form. A quote can be obtained and our accounts department will liaise with the patient regarding payment terms and conditions (if applicable).
Location
The PET-CT service is based at Panorama Medical Centre, as part of a shared practice with other service providers.