PET/CT
All PET scans are performed at:
Fairfax PET Imaging Center
8503
Arlington Blvd.
Suite 120 - Lower Level
Fairfax, VA 22031
Phone: 703-698-4441
Fax:
703-698-5930
Complimentary Valet Parking is Available.
Click here to see the PDF brochure of this information.
What is a PET/CT Scan?
PET/CT is the most advanced medical imaging technique available
today combining Positron Emission Tomography with Computed Tomography.
PET/CT combines the fine structural detail of a CT with PET’s ability to detect changes in cell function. This combination allows for earlier and more accurate detection of disease than either CT or PET alone.
A PET/CT scan helps your physician diagnose a problem, determine the best approach to treatment or monitor your progress.
How does PET/CT Work?
Cancer cells tend to grow faster
than normal cells. Growing cells use glucose (sugar) as a primary source of
energy. The faster cells grow, the more glucose is taken up.
A form of glucose called FDG, which emits particles called positrons, is injected into the patient.
The FDG molecules are taken up more in fast-growing cancer cells than in normal cells, resulting in concentrations of FDG, and positrons in areas of cancer.
A PET/CT scanner detects where positrons are being emitted from within a patient and provides images that map the locations.
PET FDG mapping is combined with a CT image’s structural detail in order to
identify both the presence of disease and its precise location.
Coronal F180FDG and
PET-CT Fusion
Image
What Happens When I Get There?
After reviewing your
history and prior to the exam, you’ll receive a radiopharmaceutical injection.
This is a radioactive tracer that must pass multiple quality control measures
before it is used for any patient injection.
You also likely will need to drink so barium (same as abdominal CT). After injection of the tracer, you will have to wait for the tracer to distribute itself – typically about one hour. We will ask that you wait relaxed in a quiet, dimly lit room.
Bring With You:
Insurance cards Previous CT, MRI, Bone and prior PET exams (on CD-ROM whenever possible) unless these images were done at any Inova facility or an FRC outpatient center. Medical history Pathology reports Wear warm, comfortable clothes since the scanner room is cool Avoid clothes with heavy buckles or metal components (i.e. no zippers)
Patient Information
Preparing
For 6 hours before your test, do not eat or drink (except water). Do not even chew gum or mints. Continue to take any medication prescribed to you by your physician. In you have been advised to take your medications with food, eat nothing more than a few soda crackers 4-8 hours prior to your exam. Avoid heavy exercise for 24 hours prior to your exam. If you have diabetes, discuss this with your physician and call the PET center staff when you are given the appointment. If you are or may be pregnant, discuss this with your physician.
Arrival Time
Please arrive at least 20 minutes before your appointment. If you need to cancel or reschedule, it is important to do so 24 hours before you appointment.
After Your Scan
You may leave immediately. If you plan to take public transportation on the same day of your scan, please notify the PET staff.
Your activity will not be restricted. You may drive if you wish, resume your normal diet, exercise and take your normal medications. Your doctor will contact you about the results of your PET scan.
To schedule a study or for more information about this service, call: 703-698-4441.
