PET-CT & Nuclear Medicine

About Our PET-CT & Nuclear Medicine Services

Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear Medicine scanners obtain images after a small amount of radioactive tracer has been absorbed in the body. The tracer is administered either orally or through an injection or intravenous tube. A special gamma camera detects the distribution of the tracer in your body, and specialized images of this metabolic activity enable the radiologist to study the function of the tissues in addition to its anatomy.

Nuclear Cardiac Scanning, also called nuclear stress testing, is a type of imaging that shows the flow of blood through a patient's heart, following an injection of a radiopharmaceutical substance or tracer. During the procedure, specialized images of the heart and the distribution of this tracer are obtained as the body moves through a scanner. When you visit you may have an Exercise Stress Test (nuclear scanning of your heart and exercise on a treadmill) or a Pharmaceutical Stress Test (a pharmaceutical used to replicate the effects of being on a treadmill).

PET/CT Imaging Tools
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computerized Tomography (CT) are standard imaging tools which allow clinicians to pinpoint the location of cancer within the body before making treatment recommendations. Alone each test has its limitations; combined the PET/CT provides the most complete information on cancer location and metabolic activity. Because PET scans are based on the metabolic activity and function of the organs, PET images are different than those from more conventional radiological studies, such as CT scan, Ultrasound, or MRI.

PET/CT is especially useful in conjunction with CyberKnife treatment of cancer because it uses special fiducial marks placed in the patient's body before acquiring the PET/CT images. The slices acquired are transferred digitally to a linear accelerator which allows for more precise targeting using high energy photons (radiosurgery).

PET/CT is also used to:

• Assist in staging
• Accurately guide biopsies
• Monitor response to treatment
• Target radiation therapy
• Detect early recurrences
• Characterize Pulmonary Nodules
• Assist in early diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease

Preparing for your PET/CT Appointment
There is very little preparation needed for a PET/CT exam. Typically you will be asked not to eat 4-5 hours prior to the exam but you can drink water. If you're taking medication, please consult with your physician before the exam. Most medications can be taken the day of the exam.

Please avoid strenuous exercise 24 hours before your appointment. You may be asked to put on a gown for the exam so dress comfortably and expect to change your clothes. A simple test for blood sugar levels may be performed.

Prior to the exam you will receive a small injection of radioactive sugar (FDG). You will be asked to lay down on a comfortable chair or bed for 30-60 minutes while the FDG travels throughout your body. After this short time, the technologist will assist you to the scanner. The CT portion of the exam is completed first, following by the PET portion of the exam. You may be asked to hold your breath for several seconds while the CT scan is performed. The technologist will tell you if this is needed.

It is important that you don't move for the duration of the scan. The length of the exam is determined by your height and the clinical area of interest. Most PET/CT scans are typically completed within 45-60 minutes.

After the Exam
Once the total scan has been performed you may resume normal daily activity. Even though the FDG will quickly leave your body, you can expedite the process by drinking plenty of water. The reading physician will contact your doctor to convey all pertinent information gathered from the scan. Please call your physician for the results.

Getting to your Appointment
Please arrive at the Blaisdell Lobby one hour prior to your appointment to allow for registration, consultation, glucose reading and radioisotope injection. Parking is complimentary. You will receive a token after your test is complete. One of our patient representatives will greet you and process your paperwork. Once you are registered, a representative from the PET/CT area will meet you and escort you to the diagnostic area.

Care Locations

• Riverview Medical Center, 1 Riverview Plaza, Red Bank, NJ 07701

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For more information on any physician, call 1-800-560-9990 or 1-800-DOCTORS.

Health Information

• Interventional Radiology
• Radiology