After you arrive at one of our offices, a highly trained, PET/CT technologist will greet you and review the medical imaging study with you. Afterward, the technologist will administer the radiotracer intravenously (IV). The radiotracer is completely harmless and will absorb safely with no side effects. The organ or tissue being studied will absorb the radiotracer as it travels through your body. During this period of time, you will be asked to remain as still as possible and rest quietly. On average, a PET/CT takes about 20 – 30 minutes to complete. Once the study is over, you are free to continue your normal, daily activities.

Before the day of your appointment, you want to refrain from any physical exercise and limit your carbohydrate intake. These factors can influence how the radiotracers interact with the cells throughout the body. On the day of your imaging study, you will need to fast for four hours prior to your scheduled appointment. Your doctor will inform you of what medications you can take with water on the day of your appointment. If you are diabetic, please try to regulate your sugar up to the time of your appointment. Bring your diabetic medication with you in case your levels need to be adjusted. Shortly before your appointment, you will receive a small dose of radiation intravenously that is expelled out of the body after a short period of time. It is important to arrive at least fifteen minutes prior to your appointment.

A PET/CT is very safe because the amount of radiation in the radiotracer is very low and will be flushed out of your body within 48 hours. Drinking plenty of fluids the day after your study can help your body flush any tracers from your system more quickly.

If you have any medical concerns regarding your upcoming PET/CT appointment, please reach out to your referring doctor or our staff at Larchmont Imaging.

An oncologist may recommend a PET/CT to evaluate the stage of cancer, determine the location for a biopsy, and measure the effectiveness of a cancer treatment plan. A PET/CT has the ability to monitor many details about various types of cancer.

If you are claustrophobic, you are still able to get a PET/CT. The average study takes about 20 – 30 minutes to complete. Our highly trained, friendly technologists will work with you to insure you are comfortable during the scan. If you have any anxiety about your upcoming appointment, please speak with your referring doctor to discuss options for reducing your anxiety prior to your appointment.

Once the PET/CT is completed, the results will be analyzed and a detailed report will be developed by one of our board-certified, subspecialized radiologists. Your doctor will receive the report within 48 hours and follow up with you to go over the results.

Larchmont Imaging is in-network with 99% of health insurance providers. Please contact your insurance carrier to inquire about Larchmont’s in-network status. Some insurance companies may try to direct you to their preferred imaging center. As the patient, you have the right to choose if you would like your study performed at Larchmont Imaging.