PET/CT Scan
A positron emission tomography (PET/CT) scan takes special pictures after a medicine has been injected into a vein. The medicine, called a radiopharmaceutical is a tiny amount of a radioactive liquid. The pictures show this medicine in your child's body.
What is it used for?
A PET scan is a test used to detect cancer and neurological diseases.
What can we expect?
There are special preparations for this test. A nurse will call you with instructions the day before your child's appointment. You can stay with your child during the entire test. Also, your child may need to be sedated. Learn more about sedation and general tips on how to prepare for your child's medical imaging procedure.
How should we prepare?
Key points specific to this exam include:
- No food, drink (except water) or chewing gum at least six hours before the visit - all can interfere with results.
- Do allow your child to drink plenty of water.
- If your child takes medications, give only water (not juice) to swallow them. And if your child has been advised not to take his medications on an empty stomach, allow only a few soda crackers at least six hours before your visit.
- If your child is diabetic, call 708.836.4897 before the exam so we can work with your doctor to determine the safest way to prepare.
- Keep your child from strenuous physical exercise 24 hours before your visit.
- Tell us if your child might be pregnant or is currently breast feeding.
For whole body scans, what should my child eat the night before?
To prepare for a whole body scan, the night before the test your child should eat a high-fat, low-carbohydrate, protein-allowed diet. This ensures quality pictures, and helps us interpret your child's exam more accurately.
Foods to eat
| Eggs, prepared without milk or vegetables | Cheeses, any type | Fish and seafood |
| Meats, any type | Cottage cheese | |
Foods to avoid | Foods high in sugar | Syrup | Beans |
| Fruit and fruit juices | Bread, bagels, toast, muffins | Pasta and rice |
| Soda | Peanut butter | Crackers |
| Milk | Nuts | Cereals |
| Candy | Vegetables, including potatoes | Pancakes/waffles |
What happens during the procedure?
A technologist or nurse will place a small needle called an IV into a vein in your child's hand or foot. The needle hurts for just a moment. When the needle is in, the medicine is injected into a vein. For about an hour, your child will rest in a dark, quiet room, then, pictures are taken. Your child will need to lie still on a soft table while a special camera is used to take pictures. Often, a safety belt is used to help keep children both safe and still. If your child experiences any pain, you should tell the doctor, nurse or technologist.
How long does it take?
It takes at least 45 minutes to take all of the pictures.
What happens after the exam?
Your child may return to regular daily activities and meals. The radiopharmaceutical medicine exits the body through the urine within 24 hours. If your child was sedated, a nurse monitors your child in the recovery room until he or she is awake. While the amount of time varies, it is common for children to sleep two hours after the medicine is given. A nurse will give you additional instructions, and results of the test will be available to your child's doctor within 24 hours.
What technology/scanners are used?
The camera used to take pictures is a PET/CT scanner called the GE Discovery ST.