FAQs

Answers to a few common questions:

How long does this procedure take?
The average patient visit to our center is approximately one and one-half hours.

TIMETABLE FOR MOST PROCEDURES
PROCEDURE	RESTING PERIOD	SCAN
CT with contrast	20 minutes	15-20 minutes
CT without contrast	N/A	10-20 minutes
PET/CT Scan	up to 45 minutes	15-20 minutes

What does the machine look like?
It is a large machine, open at both ends, and very similar to a CT or MRI scanner. (Click on the “scanner” on our technology page to get a 360 view)

What is FDG?
FDG, or Fluorodeoxyglucose, is a glucose analog, or chemical, that’s injected into a patient and then read by the PET scanner. The PET scanner uses the FDG to form images that can then be interpreted by a radiologist.

Does the FDG injection I receive contain a dye or other substance I may be allergic to?
No, there are no documented side effects to FDG which contains glucose (something your body manufactures naturally) along with a radiopharmaceutical.

Am I allowed to eat and take my medications?
For non-diabetic patients the general instructions are to eat nothing 4 hours prior to your appointment time. You may, however, drink water and take all your medications (unless they are restricted by a full stomach or are prescribed with food).

We ask that diabetic patients contact our office 24 hours prior to their exam for specific instructions.

Someone from our offices will call the day before your appointment to go over all of instructions and requirements with you. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us.

What should I wear?
We ask that you wear loose, warm comfortable clothes, with no metal buttons, zippers etc. Please leave all jewelry and valuables at home.

What does PET/CT stand for?
Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography