Arriving at the Centre
Plan to spend approximately 2 to 3 hours at the imaging centre for the entire visit. The scan itself is relatively quick, but the preparation and waiting period take additional time.
When you arrive, the reception team will check your paperwork and appointment details. You may be asked to confirm your fasting status and provide information about your medical history, medications, and any recent surgeries or treatments. If you have diabetes, your blood sugar may be checked at this point.
You will be asked to remove jewellery, watches, and any metal objects, and you may be given a hospital gown to change into, depending on what you are wearing.
The Tracer Injection
A technologist or nurse will place a small cannula (a thin plastic tube) into a vein in your arm or hand. The radioactive tracer is then injected through this line. The injection feels like a normal blood draw or drip insertion. The tracer itself does not cause any sensation as it enters your body.
The amount of radioactive material is very small and carefully calculated. It does not make you feel unwell or cause any immediate side effects.
The Waiting Period
After the injection, you will wait for approximately 45 to 60 minutes. This allows the tracer to travel through your bloodstream and be absorbed by the cells throughout your body. During this time, you will be in a quiet, comfortable room.
It is important to stay still and relaxed during this period. Avoid talking, reading aloud, chewing gum, or using your phone extensively. These activities involve muscle movement, which causes the muscles to take up more tracer and can create misleading signals on the images.
You may be offered water to drink during the wait, and you will likely be asked to empty your bladder before the scan begins.
The Scan Itself
The PET CT scanner looks like a large ring with a flat table that slides through it. You will lie on the table, usually on your back with your arms above your head. The table moves slowly through the scanner, which captures images of your body in sections.
The scan typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. You need to lie as still as possible during this time. The machine does not touch you and the process is painless. Some people hear a low humming sound from the scanner. The room may be cool, so let the technologist know if you need a blanket.
If you feel anxious about enclosed spaces, let the team know beforehand. The scanner is open on both sides and is less confining than an MRI machine, but the staff can provide reassurance and support.
After the Scan
Once the imaging is complete, you can get dressed and leave the centre. There are no restrictions on driving or returning to your normal activities. The tracer clears from your body through urine over the following hours. Drinking plenty of water helps speed up this process.
As a precaution, you may be advised to avoid prolonged close contact with pregnant women and young children for several hours after the scan.
The images will be reviewed by a nuclear medicine specialist, and a report will be sent to your referring doctor, usually within a few working days. Your doctor will then discuss the results with you and explain what they mean for your treatment or monitoring plan.
If you have any questions before your scan, do not hesitate to contact the team for clarification.