What is Open PET/CT?
PET/CT (Positron Emission Tomography and Computer Tomography) is a powerful diagnostic tool that holds great promise in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases, particularly cancer. A non-invasive test, an Open PET/CT scan images metabolic information in the human body in a single scan, allowing your physician to examine your entire body at once. Open PET/CT provides a more complete picture, making it easier for your doctor to diagnose problems, determine the extent of the disease, prescribe treatment and track progress.
What are the benefits of Open PET/CT for patients?
- Detailed diagnostic information not available from other tests (like CT, MRI)
- Shorter time for definitive diagnosis
- Earlier detection of disease with fewer invasive diagnostic procedures
- Precise staging of the disease and better monitoring of cancer recurrences
- More effective tracking of the results of chemotherapy
- May avoid some surgical intervention
- Can contribute to lowering the overall cost of care
- Claustrophobic patients feel comfortable in an open environment
- Reduces scan time by 15 to 20 minutes
- Reports turned around in 24 hours
Why Did Your Doctor Order an Open PET/CT Scan?
An Open PET/CT scan gives information about the body’s chemistry that is not available with other imaging techniques. Unlike x-rays, CT scans alone or MRIs, which only show body structure, PET/CT reveals metabolic information, providing your doctor with potentially life-saving insight. Because changes in metabolism occur before anatomical changes, PET/CT often reveals illnesses much earlier than conventional diagnostic procedures. This advantage eliminates the need for ineffective or unnecessary surgeries, treatments or other diagnostic tests, significantly reducing medical costs and patient discomfort and potential complications. In fact, some studies have shown that up to 60 percent of invasive tests or surgeries can be eliminated with PET.*
*Volk, et. Al., Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Biology, May 2000.
What Happens During an Open PET/CT Scan?
In most cases you will be on the scanner about 30-45 minutes. However, you could be in the department for up to two hours. The scan causes no pain. An IV line could be started in your hand or arm in order to infuse a radioactive tracer.
A very small amount of radioactive labeled (FDG) is infused. The amount of radiation you will receive is about the same as any other radiology procedure (CT scans or Nuclear Medicine procedures). You should not feel any side the material. Most of the radioactivity will be gone by the time you leave the department.
How Do I Prepare for the Exam?
Bring any prior CT or MRI studies not done at St. Joseph’s with you for your appointment.
Eating: Do not eat for six hours prior to your appointment. Do not exercise 24 hours prior to your scan. Avoid candies, gum or beverages other than water.
Medications: Provide a list of known medications and dosages to bring to your appointment. You will be provided further instructions at that time. If you are a diabetic, you may eat and take your insulin as usual. Your blood glucose level will be retested prior to the onset of your study. For best results, the level should not exceed 200 mg/dl.
Activity during the scan: You should not sleep during a brain scan because sleep changes the way your brain works. If you are having a whole body scan which does not include a brain scan, you can sleep. During the scan, we ask that you are in a quiet, resting state. It is extremely important that you lie still throughout the scan.
What If I’m Claustrophobic?
Most claustrophobic patients are able to tolerate an Open PET/CT scan. Only the part of your body being scanned will be in the machine. In addition, there is an opening between the two main pieces of equipment, unlike most PET or MRI scanners.
What Happens After the Scan?
It is important that you drink as much as possible for the rest of the day and empty your bladder as often as possible. This will result in a more rapid clearance of radioactivity from your body. You can drive and resume normal activities immediately after leaving the department, unless you have received sedation.
When Does My Doctor Get The Results?
The final results will be given to your referring physician as soon as the images are analyzed, usually within two working days.
Will My Insurance Cover an Open PET/CT Scan?
Many insurance companies are reimbursing for some PET/CT procedures, including Medicare. Please contact your insurer directly to learn about payment reimbursement.
