Carolinas Medical Center (CMC) is the most experienced provider of PET services in the region. Since beginning PET services in 1991, we have watched PET develop into one of the most important exams for the diagnosis and staging of cancer. CMC was also the first in the region to provide a combination PET/CT scanner.

Locations with PET and combination PET/CT:

• Carolinas Medical Center

What is Positron Emission Tomography (or PET)?
PET scanning involves the utilization of radioactive isotopes (radiopharmaceuticals) to create a powerful diagnostic tool for cancer, heart disease, and a variety of neurological disorders (i.e., Alzheimers Disease). Similar to conventional nuclear medicine, the exam requires the injection of a radiopharmaceutical, which will circulate throughout the body and localize in cancer sites or other disease processes. The primary radiopharmaceutical, or "tracer," used in PET is a radioactive glucose (sugar) called FDG. Malignant cell structures (cancer) utilize glucose at an aggressive rate. The concept behind PET is to utilize a scanner that can detect radioactivity and therefore generate a whole body image demonstrating cancer sites, or in other cases, heart disease or neurological disorders.

What is the advantage of combined PET and CT?
In the field of imaging there are "functional" or "metabolic" (PET, nuclear medicine) imaging techniques as well as structural or "anatomic" imaging techniques (CT, MRI, X-ray). With a combination PET/CT scanner, the concept is similar to a weather radar with PET providing the radar that identifies a tumor, while the CT scan provides the anatomic map that helps identify the precise location of the disease.

Most cancer patients will have CT and PET scans ordered at the same time. CMC provides these services in one visit and on one scanner, all in about 30 minutes.

How do I prepare for the exam?
The standard preparation is to have no food for four hours prior to the exam. Drinking at least two glasses of water two hours prior to the exam is also requested.

If you are a diabetic or will need a cardiac exam, the schedulers will direct you to the technical staff for specific instructions. To obtain accurate results on a PET scan, diabetic patients will need to work closely with the PET staff to regulate blood sugar levels.

How is the exam performed?
A PET/CT scan takes 30 to 45 minutes to perform. Be aware that your total time in the department is about two hours considering there is a one-hour wait after the isotope injection prior to scanning. After the injection you will be provided with a comfortable recliner or stretcher for your one-hour "uptake" period. Our physicians will frequently order a mild sedative or diuretic (aids to empty bladder). Both of these medications can improve the quality of the scan. The technical staff will provide instructions upon your arrival.

After your uptake period, you will be placed on the scanner table in a comfortable position. Simply relax and remain as still as possible while the 30 to 45 minute scan is in progress. There will be no side affects from the isotope injection or the scan itself. The affects of the diuretic or sedative will be explained prior to your procedure if needed.

How do I obtain the results of the exam?
Your physician should provide you with the results of the exam. The radiologist will interpret most PET/CT scans the same day they are performed. Some cases will require comparison to other exams that may result in a slight delay. We provide results directly to your physicians as soon as the accuracy of your report is verified by the radiologist.