PET/CT Scan
For questions or to schedule an appointment, you or your physician can call 203.276.2602 or fax the order to 203.276.4590. Please note: A referral is required.
What To Know About PET/CT Scans
Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is a nuclear medicine scan that combines two state-of-the-art technologies in one. This type of scan allows for early detection of cancer recurrence and can improve chances for treatment success.
- Our board-certified radiologists are experienced in the latest advances in nuclear medicine technology including using PET/CT scans to detect bone metastasis in patients with prostate cancer or breast cancer.
- After receiving a referral and scheduling your appointment, your exam will be performed at the Tully Health Center and takes about an hour.
- For information about your results, please access your Patient Portal or call the Health Information Management Department at 203.276.7455. You can also fill out the medical record request form, bring your photo ID, and visit the center where your exam was held.
What Is A PET/CT Scan?
This two-in-one exam gives a highly detailed image and functional information of a specific body area. The PET scan highlights the abnormal metabolic function of cancer cells, while the CT portion depicts the size and location of the tumor within the body. Together, these images create 3D pictures that enable doctors to make more informed decisions regarding your cancer treatment.
What You Should Know About Your PET/CT Scan
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WHAT TO EXPECT
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PREPARING FOR YOUR EXAM
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What To Expect
This procedure requires a small dose of radioactive material to be injected into the patient’s bloodstream. This radioactivity is harmless and most patients have no reactions to the dose.
- You will lie very still on a table while being moved in and out of a doughnut-shaped machine. Most claustrophobic patients can tolerate this exam.
- The exam itself will take 45 minutes to an hour. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time.
Preparing For Your Exam
Ahead of your scan, please follow these guidelines:
- Please do not exercise for 24 hours prior to your appointment.
- Be sure to eat a low-carb diet 24 hours before your exam. That means eliminating sugar, pasta, bread, potatoes, rice, corn, carrots, fruit, and fruit juice.
- Do not eat or drink anything except plain water 6 hours prior to your exam. You should not chew gum, eat mints, or cough drops prior to your exam.
- Except for some diabetic medications, you may take your medication with plain water on the day of your exam. However, diabetic medication must be withheld for four hours before the scan.
- Patients who use an insulin pump should set the pump to basal rate for four hours before your appointment.
- If you are diabetic, please consult with your ordering physician to ensure that your blood sugar control regimen is appropriate to maintain a blood glucose level below 200 mg/dl upon arrival for your appointment.
- Wear warm, comfortable clothing to your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you schedule an exam?
A physician referral is required. Once you have it, you or your physician can call 203.276.2602 to schedule the scan.
Where will the PET/CT exam take place?
PET/CT scans take place at the Tully Health Center.
What if you need to cancel an exam?
If you are unable to keep your appointment, please call our scheduling team at 203.276.2602 as the injection is specifically ordered for each individual patient. If you have any questions about your PET/CT exam, please do not hesitate to contact the Nuclear Medicine Department at 203.276.7064.
Tully Health Center Radiology
32 Strawberry Hill Court
2nd Floor
Stamford, CT 06902
(203) 276.2602
