Nuclear Medicine includes a variety of imaging techniques that show the function of internal organs. You are injected with very low-level radioactive isotopes and then examined by a rotating camera that can detect that radiation. The injected material is completely gone from your body within 24 hours.
 
PET (Positron Emission Tomography)/CT Scan
A PET scan is a safe and effective way to measure tissue or organ function in your body. It is used to detect cancer and diagnose diseases, monitor the progress of your treatment, and examine the effects of cancer therapy. PET is also used to evaluate memory disorders and proven tumor or seizure disorders.

Risks
A PET/CT study requires an injection of a high energy radioactive agent called FDG. Since the radioactivity is very short-lived, the radiation exposure is low.  If you are pregnant or nursing an infant, please tell your doctor, who will evaluate the risks to your unborn baby or infant.
 
Preparation
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. Allow 30-60 minutes for the exam. If you have any problem with claustrophobia, please tell your doctor prior to the testing day.

• Have nothing to eat for 6 hours prior to the exam.
• Refrain from eating bread, pasta, rice, and chips the evening before your exam.
• Please do not chew gum 24 hours prior to your exam.
• You may take your prescribed medications with a little water.
• Avoid excessive talking and strenuous exercise the day before your exam.
• Wear warm, loose clothing on the day of your exam.

If you are diabetic:

• Have nothing to eat or drink (including additional insulin) for 6 hours prior to your scan.
• A technologist will call you to discuss dietary restrictions.
• If your glucose level exceeds 200 the morning of your exam, please call the Nuclear Medicine Department at (603) 577-2815.  Your scan may need to be rescheduled.

The Procedure
A technologist will first perform a blood sugar (glucose) test which requires a pin prick in your finger. If your glucose level exceeds 200, the test will need to be rescheduled.
 
You will be injected with a radioactive substance (fluoredeoxyglucose, or FDG) and asked to lie quietly for 45 minutes in a darkened room. The injection is not painful and there are no side effects. A series of images will then be taken, lasting 30-60 minutes. The PET scanner is a ring shaped device, similar to a CT scanner. After the test, drink plenty of fluids to flush the small amount of radioactive substance from your body.

Learn more about preparation, registration and results.