what will prevent me from having the scan?
Pregnancy usually precludes having a PET/CT scan because of the potential for harming the unborn child. We can do PET/CT on a breastfeeding patient.
Recent operation, especially if major surgery. We would prefer to wait 4 weeks after major surgery, 1 week post biopsy or other minor operation.
Recent chemotherapy – we like to wait for any course of treatment to have its effect before scanning, as the results cannot be interpreted for some days following.
Recent radiotherapy, as the effects of this render scans difficult to read for several weeks.
Inability to lie flat, whatever the cause. We are happy to discuss how we might help the patient e.g. by providing oxygen. We cannot assist with pain relief, and hope that if a patient is sent to us for PET their pain will be under control.
Claustrophobia, although this varies a great deal in extent. We cannot offer sedation but we are willing to talk to patients or carers in advance of the scan. We can assist if a patient needs a blindfold or similar. A GP might prescribe a sedative such as valium to take on the day.
Some other diagnostic tests, especially on the same day. In particular:
- A blood sample should be taken before PET/CT
- MRI can be done prior to PET/CT
- CT with oral contrast must be done after PET/CT
- CT with iv contrast only can be done prior to PET/CT
- Conventional radionuclide “Nuclear Medicine” scan must be done prior to, not after PET/CT
- PET/CT should wait a week or so following a barium x-ray test
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