Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT)

Orange Regional Medical Pavilion
75 Crystal Run Road
Middletown, NY 10941              
1-866-676-2837
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What is PET/CT?

Your physician has ordered a PET/CT (Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography) scan to assist in managing your care.

Orange Regional Medical Center now offers the latest technology to aid in the diagnosis of cancer and various neurological diseases. Positron Emission Tomography and Computerized Tomography (PET/CT) are both state-of-the-art imaging tools that allow physicians to pinpoint the location of a disease within the body before making treatment recommendations. The highly precise PET scan illustrates the biology of disorders at the molecular level.  A CT scan provides a detailed picture of the body's internal framework providing the ability to detect and specifically locate abnormal growths and or changes in the body structure, such as the size and shape of a tumor. The PET/CT scan combines the strengths of these two state-of-the-art imaging tools into a single scan.

PET/CT is commonly used to diagnose cancer as well as neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, stroke, brain tumors and seizures. PET/CT imaging provides valuable information regarding a patient’s condition that assists in the appropriate planning and management of their treatment.

Why is PET/CT important?

This latest imaging technology provides physicians the proper tools to detect and care for specific diseases at a faster pace. With the ability to diagnose neurological disorders, make an earlier cancer diagnosis, determine the stage of cancer and plan the right course of precise treatment, these enhanced scans can improve the quality of life for each patient and ultimately increase the chance of recovery.

How is PET/CT used?

By assisting in identifying the location and severity of a tumor's growth, PET/CT is a powerful imaging technique that helps physicians more accurately diagnose and treat.

What do I need to tell the scheduler?

When scheduling your PET/CT scan, inform the imaging staff if:

• You are taking any medication
• You are diabetic
• You are pregnant or nursing

How do I prepare for my scan?

No food or drink (except for water) for at least 6 hours prior to your appointment

Avoid strenuous activity and exercise 24 hours prior to your appointment

Arrive on time for the PET/CT procedure

Bring the following:

• Insurance information
• Written order from your physicians
• Films and reports from any previous diagnostic imaging procedure, including x-ray, CT, MRI, and any prior PET/CT scans

Wear warm, comfortable, metal-free clothing (no underwire bras)

Plan to spend two to three hours at the PET/CT imaging facility. Exam times and procedures vary with each patient.

Upon arrival at the PET/CT center

Medical history and any prior PET/CT exams will be reviewed

Blood sugar will be checked, and an imaging tracer called

Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), a radioactive sugar, will be administered by way of injection.

A 90 minute resting period will be required before the scanning begins. This resting period is necessary for the FDG to travel and be distributed throughout the body.

At the time of PET/CT scanning

You will be positioned on the scan table

The table will be moved into a large opening in the PET/CT scanner

You will be asked to lie still while the PET/CT scanner acquires the images. The time of the scan varies, but will typically range from 30 - 45 minutes

Upon PET/CT scan completion

A technologist will process the computer images

The reading physician will interpret these images

A report will be generated and forwarded to your referring physician

For additional information, please contact the Orange Regional Medical Center PET/CT suite at 845-695-5965.

To schedule an appointment, please call 1-866-676-2837. 

To read more about our Oncology Services, please view our 2011 Oncology Annual Report.