FAQs

Q Can I take my medication on the day of the test?
A Yes, unless we ask you not to take a specific item. Please do not take dietary supplements if we have asked you to fast.

Q What can this scan show that the others I've had do not?
A PET-CT is a highly accurate test and that your specialist has asked for it knowing this. If you have questions about what might be wrong, or how treatment will work please speak to the specialist who is sending you.

Q Why must I travel so far for a scan?
A Although there are new PET-CT scanners these are not available country wide. We have been doing PET or PET-CT for almost 10 years now and some specialists would rather send patients here because they are pleased with our service.

Q Is there a waiting list for a PET-CT scan?
A We try not to keep patients waiting but if demand is high, or if there are (unusually) problems with the supply of the glucose-like tracer you may have to wait a few days.

Q Will my body react to the injection?
A No, this is unlikely as we are injecting a very weak solution closely related to a natural occurring body chemical. However, we would like to hear from you if you feel unwell after the test just in case this is because of something we have done.

Q I am diabetic. Is it safe to inject a tracer which behaves like glucose into my body?
A Yes. It is not actually glucose but a close chemical relative. We inject only a tiny amount of it in any case.

Q I take Metformin for my diabetes, do I need to avoid taking this?
A No, but it can interact with some CT contrast agents (not the radioactive compound we use). If in doubt, always ask.

Q Is radiation dangerous?
A Yes, although it is hard to know what damage might be caused to an individual by the small amounts of radiation we use. We have to ensure that any scan using radiation is justifiable ie there is no other suitable diagnostic test and we will give you advice about radiation safety afterwards.

Q Can radiation be transmitted from person to person?
A Not ordinarily. The gamma rays a patient gives off interact with objects or people nearby and move on at the speed of light. If a little of the radioactive compound we use was on a patients skin or their clothes, it might get on to another person but the amounts involved would be tiny. We in any case take care that this does not happen. The main source of radiation leaving the patient is urine and clearly normal use of the toilet is in order.

Q Will radiation from the test harm my relative who has cancer?
A No, it will have the same minimal effect as it would on any other person.

Q Can I drive afterwards?
A Yes, there is no reason why not.

Q What about other forms of transport?
A The main concern at present is that there may be radiation detectors in use at airports or other transport termini. These are probably quite sensitive. We can advise prior to the test.

Q Will my dog or cat be harmed by radiation?
A We do not know for certain but think it unlikely. If you are concerned, try to minimise your contact with them afterwards as if they were human.

Q Will the radiographer doing the scan be able to tell me the result?
A No. It is always the case that your specialist has referred you for an expert opinion from our radiologist. The two doctors communicate in confidence about the findings. However, this will not mean that the results cannot be shared with another specialist at a later time if this is required.