PET/CT Scan
Sun Radiology
Radiologist, Neuroradiologist, and Musculoskeletal Radiologist in Glendale, AZ; Peoria, AZ; & Phoenix, AZ
PET/CT scans are powerful diagnostic tools that use small amounts of radioactive material and CT scan technology to locate and diagnose a variety of diseases and health conditions, ranging from cancer to dementia. Manntej Sra, MD, a board-certified radiologist, and the team of experts at Sun Radiology provide state-of-the-art PET/CT scans. They have four convenient locations in Peoria, Phoenix, and Glendale, Arizona. If you need a PET/CT scan, call your nearest office or make an appointment online today.
PET/CT SCAN QUESTIONNAIREPET/CT Scan Q & A
PET (positron emission tomography) is a diagnostic imaging test that provides information about your physiological function by using radioactive drugs to monitor your blood flow, metabolism, and neurotransmitter activity.
PET scans show where the radioactive material is absorbed in your body. These images are combined with a CT (computer-aided tomography) scan to create a detailed picture of the structure and function of your organs and other body parts.
The radiologists at Sun Radiology use PET/CT scans to identify and monitor a wide range of diseases, including:
- Cancer
- Alzheimer’s
- Dementia
- Heart diseases
- Brain disorders
- Memory disorders
In addition to diagnosing health problems, the team at Sun Radiology also uses PET/CT scans to monitor the progression of cancers, heart diseases, and dementia as well as to check whether the treatment has been effective.
Sun Radiology provides detailed instructions on how to prepare for your PET/CT scan. For example, you must not consume any carbohydrates or sugars for 24 hours before your appointment.
In addition, you can only drink water for six hours before the exam. You must also avoid strenuous physical activity for 24 hours.
You must arrive on time for your PET/CT scan as you’ll need a certain amount of time for the radiotracer to move through your body before the scanning process begins.
Your radiologist provides the radioactive material through an injection, and you need to rest quietly for up to 45 minutes as the drug moves through your body.
Then, you lie on a narrow treatment table that glides slowly through the PET/CT scanner, which resembles a giant doughnut.
You need to stay still throughout the scan, which can take up to two hours depending on the area being scanned. While the scan itself is painless, you may find it uncomfortable to stay still for such a long time.
You can return to your regular activities as soon as your scan is over. Drink plenty of water to help flush the radioactive material out of your body and stay away from pregnant women and infants.
If you need a PET/CT scan, call Sun Radiology or make an appointment online today.
