WHAT IS A PET/CT?
A PET scan uses a camera and radioactive tracers injected intravenously (IV) to obtain images of the human body’s function and reveal health and disease information. The scanner records signals that the tracer emits as it travels through the body and is collected by the targeted organs. A computer then interprets the signal into images. These images show biological maps of normal organ function and failure of an organ system.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?
Please come wearing clothing free from metals such as zippers, buttons, bra clips or hooks, and snaps. You may be asked to remove jewelry, hairpins, and body piercings. You may also be asked to refrain from eating or drinking before your exam.

WHERE WILL MY SCAN TAKE PLACE?
Thayer County Health Services does not have a PET/CT scanner on-site. An outside service, Shared Medical Services, provides PET/CT on an as-needed basis.

HOW LONG WILL THE PROCEDURE TAKE?
The average time can be anywhere from 2-3 hours. This includes registration, patient instruction, time after intravenous injection, and actual scan time.

WHO INTERPRETS MY PET/CT?
All diagnostic imaging studies, including PET/CT, are interpreted by a radiologist. Thayer County Health Services does not have a radiologist on staff; however, TCHS utilizes radiologists at Advanced Medical Imaging (AMI). A dictated report will be available to your provider.