Medical Arts Radiology offers the latest technology in nuclear imaging with the introduction of the GE Discovery ST PET/CT scanner. Medical Arts was the first site in Suffolk County to offer PET/CT and our radiologists have obtained extensive experience in the performance and interpretation of this important imaging modality.

PET/CT combines two machines in one, so that the physiologic activity of PET can be matched with the anatomical information of CT. The two studies are fused, creating one image. The result is greater diagnostic accuracy in localizing abnormalities than PET or CT alone.

PET/CT scanning is performed after injecting radio-labeled sugar (FDG) into an arm vein. After waiting about an hour to allow the sugar to circulate, the scan is started. Since cancerous cells are metabolically more active than normal cells, and therefore use more sugar for energy, they appear as “hot-spots” relative to normal cells. This information, fused with the anatomical CT information, pinpoints the exact location of the abnormality.

PET/CT leads to improved diagnostic confidence and can reduce the need for biopsies and unnecessary surgeries. Diagnoses can be made earlier, with greater accuracy in staging and localization, with more precise treatment and better patient monitoring. Finally, overall patient comfort is increased due to shorter scan times.

PET/CT can be used, as follows, for various types of imaging:

Oncology

Determine benign from malignant in suspicious areas
Assess tumor aggressiveness-grading
Whole body scan for distant metastases
Early detection of recurrent tumors
Superior detection of nodal spread
Monitor success of therapy

Neurology

Diagnose Alzheimer's disease and other dementias
Parkinson's disease - diagnosis of movement disorders


High Degree of accuracy for presence or spread of:

• lung cancer
• colorectal cancer
• ovarian cancer
• melanoma
• breast cancer
• brain tumors
• lymphoma
• head and neck tumors
• pancreatic cancer

PET/CT imaging offers fast results with no harm to the patient in the diagnosis, staging and restaging in many areas of oncology. PET/CT has shown to be an asset to many physicians in determining the treatment needed for their patients. Most insurance companies cover PET/CT scan for lymphoma, lung, breast, colorectal and esophageal cancers, head and neck cancer, and melanoma.

PET/CT Patient Preparation

The following high protein/low carbohydrate diet MUST be followed 24 hours prior to your PET/CT scan:

Foods to AVOID :

Caffeinated products, pasta, rice, potatoes, bread, any product containing sugar or sugar free products, milk or milk products, coffee, all alcoholic beverages, candy, mints, gum, cough drops.

Foods that MAY be consumed:

Plain meat, poultry, fish (no breading) cheese, eggs, bacon, sausage, only green vegetables

Drink water with every meal the day before the test. Three to four glasses of water should be consumed the day of the test.

DO NOT DRINK LIQUIDS THROUGH A STRAW

NO EXERCISE 48 HRS PRIOR TO TEST

You are required to fast 6-8 hrs prior to your appointment time. You may take medications with water. Dress comfortably – loose clothing, no metal.

You can expect to be at Medical Arts for approximately two hours.