Oncology PET/CT Scan
Onco PET combines PET and CT in one exam to find cancer, see if it has spread, and check how well treatment is working.
- Time at the center: About 2 hours
- Scan time: 20 to 30 minutes
- Preparation: Fast 6 hours
What is it?
A very small amount of a radioactive tracer is injected into a vein. It collects in areas that are more active, such as many types of cancer cells.
The PET shows activity and the CT shows the exact location, so your doctor gets both answers from a single visit. The scanner is quiet and open at both ends.
Who is it for?
- People recently diagnosed with cancer, to see where it is and if it has spread
- Patients in treatment, to see how well it is working
- Follow-up after treatment
- Men with prostate cancer or a rising PSA
Your visit
- We confirm your appointmentWe call you the day before. The tracer is prepared just for you, so confirming is very important.
- Tracer injectionA technologist places a small IV in your arm and injects the tracer.
- Rest and relaxYou rest in a quiet room for 45 to 60 minutes while the tracer spreads through your body.
- Your scanYou lie still for 20 to 30 minutes. The scanner makes no noise.
- Go homeReturn to your normal activities and drink plenty of water.
How to prepare
- The day before, eat a low-carb, high-protein diet. Avoid sweets, bread, pasta, rice and cereal.
- Do not eat for 6 hours before your exam. For morning exams, do not eat after midnight.
- Avoid exercise for 24 hours before your exam.
- If you are diabetic, tell us when you schedule. We will give you instructions for your diabetes medicine.
- Dress warmly in clothes without zippers or metal.
We confirm your instructions when we call you.
Common questions
Is a PET scan safe?
Yes. The amount of tracer is very small and leaves your body naturally within hours. Tell us if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Why is confirming my appointment so important?
The tracer is ordered specifically for you and only lasts a short time. If we cannot confirm, we cannot order it.
Related exams
Ready to book your exam?
Call us. In one call we verify your insurance and book your exam.