Combined functional and anatomic imaging for oncology, cardiac, and neurology.
PET-CT combines positron emission tomography (PET) with CT in a single scanner. PET shows how tissues function at the cellular level; CT shows where those changes are anatomically. The combination is especially powerful for cancer staging, treatment response, and detecting recurrence.
An IV is placed and a small dose of radiotracer is injected.
You'll rest quietly for 45–60 minutes while the tracer distributes.
The scan itself takes 40–60 minutes.
You may be asked to hold your breath during portions of the CT.
Plan for 2–3 hours total.
After your scan, you'll be mildly radioactive for several hours. Limit prolonged close contact with pregnant women, infants, and young children for the rest of the day.