FAQs
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We use PET scanners combined with CT scanners to provide unparalleled structural detail as well as insight into physiological behaviours within the body, which assists with:
- the more accurate diagnosis of several diseases such as cancer and heart disease
- determining what combination of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy is likely to be the most successful in managing a patient’s cancer
- monitoring the effectiveness of therapy and assisting with a plan for surgery and radiotherapy
The combination of the two scans has proven to be more accurate for detecting the early stages of disease, and can detect abnormalities even in the absence of structural change. Small tumours may be found even if they are undetectable by other imaging procedures or CT alone and this can help in selecting the best treatment option for patients.
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Correct preparation for a PET/CT is very important to improve the accuracy of the test. Preparation varies between scans and even with the time of your scan. A detailed preparation sheet will be given to you when you make your appointment.
The tracers used in PET have a shelf life of only a few hours, so it’s important you follow the instructions of your doctor and our nuclear medicine technicians closely. If poor preparation forces your appointment to be rescheduled, the tracer ordered for your appointment will expire and this cost may be passed on to you.
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When you arrive for your appointment, you will be welcomed by one of our nuclear medicine technicians who will talk you through the procedure.
ARRIVAL (15-30MINS)
When you arrive for your appointment, our reception staff will ask that you complete a questionnaire and sign a consent form. In line with your appointment a Registered Nurse will welcome you through for the procedure. Please be mindful that some patients take longer than others to get settled and your appointment time may vary.
TRACER UPTAKE (60-90MINS)
Once you have changed into a gown our nurse will get you settled in a private uptake room. They will then check your blood sugar level and place an IV cannula into your arm through which the PET tracer will be injected. You will then be connected to an IV line and will be left to watch TV and relax while the tracer is infused. After approximately one hour of rest, we’ll take you through to the PET/CT scanner.
PET/CT IMAGING (20-30MINS)
The PET/CT looks like a doughnut (known technically as a gantry), with a bed passing through the middle. You will be asked to lie on the bed with your arms stretched above your head as it moves through the opening in the gantry.
The PET part of the scan detects the radiation released from the tracer which has now been taken up throughout your body.
The CT part images your anatomy and alterations in its structure such as tumour growth and other changes related to disease.
The PET and CT images are then combined and used together to diagnose, plan or measure treatment outcomes.
The scan will take between 20 and 45 minutes depending on the reason for your study.
POST IMAGING (20-45MINS)
Following your scan you will be offered something to eat and be encouraged to stay well hydrated and use the bathroom as required. We will monitor you for 15 minutes following the CT contrast injection and then remove your IV line. During this time we will process your images.
The radioactive tracer remains in your system for a short time following your scan, for this reason we suggest you limit the time you spend near children and pregnant women for a few hours afterwards.
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Please allow up to 3-4 hours for your PET/CT scan.
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We offer a number of different types of PET/CT scans, including:
- F18-FDG – Used to diagnose, stage and re-stage a wide range of oncology processes. This is the most common type of PET/CT scan.
- Ga68-PSMA – Used to diagnose, stage and re-stage prostate cancer.
- Ga68-DOTATATE – Used to diagnose, stage and re-stage varies neuroendocrine tumours.
- F18-FET – Used to diagnose, stage and re-stage brain tumours.
Your PET/CT scan will be performed under the supervision of one of our nuclear medicine specialists/technicians, a radiographer and one of our nurses.
The images our technical staff acquire are reviewed by a specialist who will report on the findings. Queensland X-Ray has a wide range of medical imaging specialists. Often PET/CT cases are discussed collectively to offer the most thorough clinical analysis.
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Procedure For staging & restaging of: F-18 FDG Cancer processes GA-68 PSMA Prostate cancer GA-68 DOTATATE Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) F-18 FET Brain tumours
Watch: Having a PET/CT Scan with Queensland X-Ray
How much will it cost?
Fees for radiology procedures will vary depending on a variety of factors. We will advise you about the cost of your service at the time of booking but if you do have any questions, contact us and one of our team will be happy to help with your query. You can read more about our billing information here.
How do I access my images?
At Queensland X-Ray, we provide our patients with their images and results online. To access your images and results, you’ll need to register for an account when you visit one of our practices. If you’ve already registered, you can access the Patient Portal here.