Positron
Emission
Tomography
(PET
Imaging)
What
is
the
test?
Positron
emission
tomography
(PET
Imaging)
is a
diagnostic
test
that
captures
detailed
images
of
the
body’s
cells
at
work,
from
the
emission
of
positrons.
Positrons
are
tiny
particles
emitted
from
a
radioactive
substance
administered
prior
to
the
PET
scan.
This
technology
provides
metabolic
information
and
enables
physicians
to
detect
and
analyze
how
the
tissue
cells
are
functioning.
PET
scans
can
be
performed
on
the
whole
body
and
are
used
to
evaluate
a
variety
of
diseases.
This
scans
are
usually
performed
on
an
outpatient
basis.
How
do I
prepare?
You
should
avoid
vigorous
exercise
for
24
hours
prior
to
the
exam.
You
may
drink
water
but
do
not
eat
anything
for
4
hours
before
your
PET
scan.
Please
plan
to
arrive
at
the
Imaging
Services
Department
15
minutes
before
your
scheduled
appointment.
Wear
comfortable,
loose-fitting
clothes.
Your
doctor
will
instruct
you
regarding
the
use
of
medications
before
the
test.
If
you
have
diabetes,
ask
your
doctor
for
specific
guidelines
to
control
glucose
levels
during
the
day
of
the
test.
What
can
I
expect
during
the
procedure?
A
nurse
or
technologist
will
accompany
you
to a
room
where
a
radioactive
substance
will
be
administered
to
you
as
an
intravenous
injection.
It
will
take
about
45
to
60
minutes
for
this
substance
to
travel
through
your
body
and
accumulate
in
the
tissues
to
be
imaged.
During
this
time
you
must
rest
quietly
and
avoid
significant
movement
or
talking,
which
may
alter
the
localization
of
the
contrast.
When
sufficient
time
has
passed,
you
will
be
taken
into
the
PET
scanning
room.
The
PET
scanner
has
a
hole
in
the
middle
like
a
large
donut.
You
will
be
made
as
comfortable
as
possible
before
imaging
begins.
Scanning
time
is
typically
45
to
60
minutes.
While
you
are
lying
quietly,
the
bed
will
move
into
the
scanner,
capturing
electronic
signals
that
will
be
converted
to
images
by a
computer.
Some
people
grow
uncomfortable
holding
still
for
this
period
of
time,
however,
movement
compromises
the
quality
of
the
study.
After
the
test?
Usually
there
are
no
restrictions
following
a
PET
scan.
You
should
drink
plenty
of
caffeine-free
fluids
to
flush
the
radioactive
substance
from
your
body.
We
also
encourage
you
to
flush
the
toilet
twice
after
use
to
be
certain
that
any
radioactive
substance
is
discarded.
How
and
when
will
I
get
my
test
results?
Typically,
within
48
hours
a
written
report
of
your
test
results
will
be
sent
to
your
referring
physician,
who
will
review
them
with
you.
Additional
time
(3
to 5
days)
may
be
required
if
we
are
comparing
these
test
results
to
previous
findings
from
another
hospital
or
health-care
provider.
Where
is
the
test
performed?
PET
imaging
is
available
at
Cayuga
Medical
Center
at
101
Dates
Drive,
off
NYS
Route
96
in
Ithaca.
Return
to
top
Click
here for print friendly preparation
directions.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is the
newest service added to our
Imaging Armamatarium. This
powerful Nuclear Medicine
service greatly aids our
certainty in diagnosing early
cancer. We
have upgraded to PET-CT -- the
simultaneous acquisition of CT
and PET studies automatically
fused to precisely identifiy
anatomic location of the early
cancer.
