What to Expect During Your PET/CT Appointment

Arrival

  • Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.

  • Between the uptake time and the exam, prepare to be at the Adler Imaging facility for a total of 2 ½ to 3 hours past your scheduled appointment time.

Check-In

  • The receptionist will greet you and verify your contact information.

  • Bring your insurance card and photo I.D. The receptionist will make a copy of these cards and help you fill out the brief paperwork that is required.

Uptake Time

  • After check-in, we will escort you to your private waiting room.

  • A staff member will explain your procedure in detail and answer your questions.

  • A skilled PET/CT technologist will place an I.V. in your arm or hand.

  • A small amount of FDG, a form of glucose, will be injected through the I.V. This is painless and you will have no reaction.

  • Relax in your private waiting room for about 90 minutes to wait for the FDG to circulate through your body.

Scan

  • A PET/CT technologist will escort you from your private waiting room to the scanner bay.

  • A typical PET/CT exam requires about 20-30 minutes of scan time.

After Your Scan

  • You may leave as soon as your exam is complete.

  • Your activity will not be restricted. You may drive if you wish, resume your normal diet, exercise and take all prescribed medications.

  • As an extra precaution, avoid getting close to an infant or anyone who is pregnant for eight hours immediately following the scan.


Results

  • Your PET/CT scan images will be reviewed by a PET/CT physician who will send a report to your doctor.

  • Your referring physician will receive the results of your scan within 24-48 hours.