What is a PET/CT scan?
A PET/CT scan combines two imaging technologies into one exam—Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT). The PET scan produces images highlighting areas of high metabolic activity and the CT produces pictures of the body’s internal structures.
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What if I need to cancel my PET/CT scan?
The PET/CT scan is a time sensitive procedure. It is important you are on-time to your check-in. If you must cancel or re-schedule please notify us 24 hours in advance so we can cancel the radiopharmaceutical tracer which has been ordered specifically for your exam.
How long does it take to get a PET scan done?
The PET/CT scans are usually about 20 minutes; but please allow 2-2 1/2 hours to complete the entire registration and exam process. A board-certified radiologist with subspecialized training in PET/CT will interpret images from your exam.
PET/CT Scan: How to Prepare, What to Expect & Safety Tips Positron emission tomography, also called PET imaging or a PET scan, is a diagnostic examination that involves getting images of the body based on the detection of radiation from the emission of positrons.
What can a PET scan tell you about a disease?
A PET scan can often detect the abnormal metabolism of the tracer in diseases before the disease shows up on other imaging tests, such as computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The tracer is most often injected into a vein within your hand or arm.
What is a PSMA PET-CT scan?
In a PSMA PET-CT, the tracer used for the PET scan includes a molecule that specifically binds to the PSMA protein, which is often found in large amounts on prostate cancer cells. That molecule is linked to a radioactive compound, or radioisotope. The radioisotope used in the Australian trial is called gallium-68 (Ga-68).
What happens during a PET scan of the brain?
PET scans can be used to evaluate certain brain disorders, such as tumors, Alzheimer’s disease and seizures. For your PET scan, a radioactive drug (tracer) will be put into your body. Because the amount of radiation you’re exposed to is small, the risk of negative effects from it is low. But the tracer might: