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| Radiology and Lab Services |
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PET/CT Fusion is the combining of two advanced technologies to provide unique information not possible with either individual exam. St. Rita’s Positron Emission Tomography or PET, networks with our sophisticated computerized tomography called CT, resulting in images that show the body’s structural and metabolic or chemical information at the same time. The combined PET/CT provides information in significantly less time with considerably less anxiety and less cost than multiple testing that takes place over several days.
The PET scan produces an image of the body's soft structures including metabolic and/or chemical information. The CT scan produces an image of body structures including bone and tissue. The fused picture combines the two images to show both hard structures such as bone and soft structure such as growing tissue or tumors. The digital system also makes it possible for physicians to electronically send the image for professional consultation or a second opinion.
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The system's images can be compared to radar pictures seen on weather reports. It can show a concentration of cancer cells in a color "cluster" just as the radar shows concentration of precipitation. This "fusion" technology has been described as the most significant cancer breakthrough in 20 years. St. Rita's is the only medical facility in the region with this sophisticated, life-saving technology. |
The PET/CT helps physicians find out if a patient has cancer, if it is benign or malignant, the size of the cancer, exactly where it is located and what the best therapy would be. The technology can also pinpoint the precise area to be treated, show if the therapy is working, if there is a recurrence or if the person remains cancer-free. The images can also show whether heart tissue is good (undamaged) before open-heart surgery or angioplasty is performed, so it is an excellent addition to heart diagnostics. It also used to detect neurological and brain disorders.
Benefits of PET/CT Fusion include:
- PET/CT Fusion can help physicians detect alterations in biochemical processes that suggest disease before changes in anatomy are apparent and can measure the effectiveness of current treatment.
- Because the radioactivity is very short-lived, radiation exposure is extremely low. The substance amount is so small that it does
Risks of PET/CT Fusion include:
- The radioactive substance may expose the fetus of pregnant patients or the infants of breast-feeding women to the radiation. The risk to the fetus or infant should be considered related to the information gain from the potential result of the PET/CT Fusion examination.
Your physician will give you instructions on how to prepare for your specific exam. Typically, no food or drink is allowed after dinner the night before your exam or at least 4 hours before your exam. It is important to follow these instructions to ensure the most accurate diagnostic results.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, or if you are a nursing mother.
- Wear comfortable clothing.
- Tell your doctor if you are diabetic.
- Take any prescribed medications on the day of your test unless instructed not to do so.
Before the scan, a small amount of radioactive glucose (called a tracer) is injected into your bloodstream. Then you are asked to wait 30 to 45 minutes while the injected material is distributed throughout your body. After this time has elapsed, you will be asked to lie on a table that passes slowly through the scanner. The scanner resembles a CT scanner, but has a much larger opening. Some people fall asleep during the scan. Having a PET/CT Fusion scan is safe. It is usually an outpatient procedure. After the test, you should feel fine and be able to leave immediately. There are no side effects from the injected trace.
At St. Rita's, we have a board certified radiologist on site at all times so the test will be interpreted promptly. The results will be phoned, faxed, mailed, or delivered electronically to the referring physician. He or she will share the results with the patient.
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For More Information
(419) 226-9414 |
| What is PET/CT: |
| Two advanced technologies combine in the PET/CT Fusion (positron emission tomography/computerized tomography) to show the body’s structural and metabolic information at the same time. It is used to help detect cancer, heart disorders and brain disorders. |
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