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PET/CT Scan

PET (Positron Emission Tomography) and CT (Computed Tomography) are both standard imaging tools that physicians use to pinpoint disease states in the body. The PET scan demonstrates the biological function of the body before anatomical changes take place, while the CT scan provides information about the body's anatomy such as size, shape and location. By combining these two technologies, physicians can more accurately diagnose and identify cancer and brain disorders, such as Alzheimer's and epilepsy.

PET/CT is a noninvasive test that provides unique information about the body's metabolism, cell function, and exact location of the disease -- information not available through CT or MRI alone -- in a single scan. This allows your physician to examine your entire body at once.

Lake Hospital System offers the only PET/CT unit in Lake County and it's available at the Mentor Medical Campus.

What to Expect

When you arrive for the PET/CT scan, you will be given an injection of radioactive glucose. Then you will rest for approximately 45 minutes while the glucose is distributed throughout your body. Following that, you will lie on a table for the scan. You will be asked to lie still as the table moves slowly through the scanner, which will record the radioactive tracer information. The procedure is painless.

A radiologist will interpret your exam and a report will be sent to your physician, who will discuss the results with you.

Preparing for Your PET/CT

Inform your physician and technologist if you are diabetic.

• Do not eat for four hours before the exam.
• Drink 24-30 ounces of water over two hours before the scan. Black decaffeinated coffee (no cream, no sugar) is acceptable along with the water.
• Take your usual medications unless directed otherwise.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
• The procedure takes two to three hours.
• Inform your physician or x-ray technologist if you are or may be pregnant.
• Please register 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
• Please bring a complete list of your medications, vitamins and supplements to your appointment.
• Please bring the physician order to your appointment.

Scheduling an Appointment

A PET/CT scan is performed by appointment only. You can schedule an appointment by calling Lake Hospital System's Centralized Scheduling  Department at 1-866-652-5253.