Appointments: (703) 670-9063
PET/CT imaging is now available on the Potomac Hospital campus through Woodbridge PET/CT, a partnership of Potomac Hospital and Inova Health System.
Woodbridge PET/CT utilizes a mobile PET/CT unit from Alliance Imaging.
PET/CT provides information about the body’s chemistry, cell function and exact location of the disease.
Its precise images are not available with CT, MRI or x-ray alone. PET/CT technology fuses the PET scanner images (metabolic function of cells) with the CT scanner images (anatomic location of body structures) into one extremely detailed image. This combination places PET/CT at the forefront of cutting-edge technology and allows physicians to more accurately stage and treat disease processes.
Some of the indications for PET/CT include staging of malignant neoplasm, evaluating response to treatment, evaluating scar versus residual neoplasm and evaluating significance of incidental lung nodules. The procedure is also useful in imaging of neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, and in evaluating cardiac perfusion and in evaluation of myocardial viability.
About Your PET/CT Study
Exam Preparation: There is very little preparation needed for a PET/CT exam. Typically you will be asked not to eat six to eight hours prior to the exam. You can drink water, but no other liquids. Most medications can be taken on the day of the exam, if they can be tolerated on an empty stomach.
If you have diabetes, you should take your oral medication or insulin at least six hours prior to the exam and you may have a very light meal four hours before the appointment.
Please avoid exercise 24 hours before your appointment.
You may be asked to put on a gown for the exam, so dress comfortably and expect to change your clothes.
Please do not wear any jewelry.
The Exam: Before the exam you will receive a small injection of radioactive sugar (FDG). You will be asked to sit or lay down on a comfortable chair or bed for 30 to 90 minutes while the FDG travels throughout your body.
After this time, the technologist will assist you to the scanner. The CT portion of the exam is completed first followed by the PET portion. You may be asked to hold your breath for several seconds while the CT scan is performed. The technologist will tell you if this is needed.
It is important that you don’t move for the duration of the exam. The length of the exam is determined by your height and area of interest.
Expect to spend two to three hours getting your exam, but most of this time is spent preparing for the scan. Most PET/CT scans are typically completed within 20 to 40 minutes.
When the total scan is finished, the computers will produce images for the radiologist to review.
After The Exam: Once the total scan has been performed you may resume daily activity. Even though the FDG will quickly leave you body, you can expedite the process by drinking plenty of water after your scan is complete.
Your PET/CT results will not be immediately available, but the reading physician will contact your referring physician to convey all pertinent information.
Things To Discuss With Your Doctor
Consult your physician before your PET/CT scan if:
- You are or may be pregnant,
- You are allergic to any food or drugs,
- You are currently being treated for an infection,
- You are unsure if you should take your medications, or
- You have had recent radiation therapy.
