64-slice Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) Scanner System

The 64-slice PET/CT is a highly precise and revolutionary metabolic imaging technique. It simplifies complicated high-end work and makes diagnosis of cancer and other lesions more accurate.

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FAQ: What is PET/CT? What are some common uses of PET/CT? Cancer and F18 FDG Uptake? How do I prepare for the PET/CT Scan? How is the PET/CT Procedure performed? Is the PET/CT scan safe? Is an appointment needed?

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What is PET/CT?

PET(Positron Emission Tomography) is an advanced imaging modality in Nuclear Medicine. It is used to study the molecular function of active diseased cells, particularly cancer, using the F-18 Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG).

When combined with CT (Computed Tomography), it becomes a powerful imaging modality in revealing both the anatomical details and functional changes of diseased cells in a single scan. This results in early detection and diagnosis. The earlier the detection, the more likely the cure!

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What are some common uses of PET/CT?

PET/CT is used most often to detect cancer and secondaries, as well as to monitor the effectiveness of cancer treatment. Besides cancer, it is also used for the detection of heart diseases and brain disorders.

a. Oncology (Cancer)

Brain tumours, head and neck tumours, ovarian cancer, thyroid carcinomas, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, gastro-esophageal cancer, bladder, liver cancer, lung cancer, renal and prostate cancer, cancer of uterus, testicular tumours, malignant melanoma, malignant lymphomas and musculoskeletal tumours.

b. Cardiology (Heart)

Coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction.

c. Neurology (Brain)

Alzheimer’s disease, Epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease.

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Please inform our PET/CT staff if you are diabetic, pregnant, breastfeeding or have allergy to some drugs

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Cancer and F-18 FDG Uptake?

Normal cells and cancerous cells use glucose for growth, but cancerous cells grow at a much faster rate. Therefore, cancerous cells consume more glucose than normal cells.

We use the F-18 FDG (a radioactive substance similiar to glucose) to detect cancerous cells. Metabolically active cancerous cells will consume the F-18 FDG at a higher rate. The trapped F-18 FDG in cancerous cells will be highlighted on the image as a ‘hot spot’.

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How do I prepare for the PET/CT scan?

a. Before your appointment

You are advised not to engage in strenuous muscular exercises for at least two days before the scan. If you are diabetic, please consult your doctor or us for advice.

You are required to confirm your appointment 1 week before the appointment date. A deposit for the radiotracer F-18 FDG is required before the confirmation of your appointment.

b. On the day of your appointment

You need to fast for at least 4–6 hours prior to your scan but you may drink a lot of plain water and take your usual medications.

You will be asked to put on a hospital gown. Please dress comfortably and expect to change your clothes. Do not wear any jewellery.

Please bring along your recent radiological films and reports (if any). Arrive at our centre 30 minutes earlier. After your registration, you may then proceed with the payment at the cashier counter.

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How is the PET/CT procedure performed?

Before injection of the F-18 FDG

You will be ushered to a special room, where your past medical history will be taken. You will then be instructed to remove all metallic objects from your body and change into a hospital gown. When you lie down on the bed, an intravenous cannula will be set on your hand. A blood sample will be taken for blood glucose level measurement. Medications such as sedatives, muscles relaxants or diuretics may be given if necessary.

After injection of the F-18 FDG

You will have to lie still on the bed for one hour for the F-18 FDG to distribute within your body. No visual or physical activity is allowed, to avoid physiologic muscle uptake of the F-18 FDG. Make sure that you are warm and comfortable. After one hour, you will be instructed to empty your bladder just before being postioned on the scan table.

During the scan

You will be instructed to raise both your arms above your head. As the scanning will take 30–60 minutes to complete, make sure you lie still and are warm and comfortable because any movement will lead to poor image quality which will make the diagnosis difficult. If you are claustrophobic or uncomfortable, please let us know. A whole body scan will be done on you from the base of your skull to your mid-thigh.

The CT scan is done first, and is followed by the PET scan. You will feel the table move while images of your body are being taken. You may also be instructed to maintain a shallow breathing pattern and to avoid deep breathing. Our PET/CT staff will monitor your progress throughout the scan.

After the scanning

Unless you are given special instructions, you may resume your normal diet and activity after the scan. Drink plenty of fluids and empty your bladder regularly. This helps to clear any F-18 FDG that may still be in your body. While the scanning takes 30–60 minutes, expect to be in our centre for approximately 3–4 hours.

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Is the PET/CT scan safe?

Yes. The radiation received from the CT scan is low. For the PET scan, only a very small amount of F-18 FDG is injected and it loses radioactivity very quickly, with little or no radioactivity remaining in your body after 6 hours.

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Is an appointment needed?

Yes. Please call to fix an appointment date and time. Punctuality is important as the radioactivity of the F-18 FDG reduces by 50% at 110 minutes.

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