The purpose of this examination is to detect any abnormalities of the liver.
A PET-CT examination is a combination of the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and a Computer Tomography (CT scan). During this test you will be given a radioactive substance. This way we can see how your liver absorbs this substance.
A CT scan is also performed. A CT scan uses X-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of your body. The computer displays the results of the CT scan on top of the PET scan results.
- You may eat and drink as usual before the test.
- You can take your medicines as usual.
- During the examination, wear clothes without metal parts. So without zippers, hooks, bra straps or press studs. Jewelery is better left at home.
- Would you like a soothing tablet (Valium) during the examination? Then arrange for someone to take you home after the examination. After taking Valium you are not allowed to drive a bicycle, car, motorcycle or moped yourself.
- Bring your phone with your own music. You can then listen to music in the preparation room. You can also bring some reading.
Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?
- Are you (possibly) pregnant? Tell the employee you are calling to go through the questionnaire. He or she will call you 1 or 2 days before the examination.
- Are you breastfeeding? Stop breast-feeding until 6 hours after the injection of the radioactive substance. Pumping is allowed. The expressed formula can be used. It is not a problem if someone else feeds the expressed formula.
- Do not take children and/or (possibly) pregnant women to the hospital. Have as little contact as possible with children and/or (possible) pregnant women until 6 hours after the examination.
Can you bring someone to the examination?
Your companion can sit in the waiting area. From the moment you are picked up from the waiting room, your companion can no longer come with you.
Important: Come to your appointment on time. The radioactive material has a very short shelf life. It is specially ordered for you. Therefore, it is very important that you come to your examination on time. Also pay close attention to the preparation. Can not you come? Please inform us of this as soon as possible.
How is the investigation going?
The lab technician will explain the test to you. If you are afraid of small spaces or if you are very nervous about the examination, you can ask for a soothing tablet. You will then receive a Valium tablet. After taking Valium, you may no longer drive a car, bicycle, moped or motorcycle yourself. Source: Drive safely with medicines
The research looks like this:
- An IV needle will be placed in your arm. The radioactive substance is then administered. The radioactive substance must act for 1 hour. During this hour you lie on a bed and you can move normally. You may be given a blanket to prevent you from getting cold. You may listen to your own music.
- The pictures are then taken with the PET-CT scanner. You lie on a narrow bed. The bed slides step by step through the scanner. Each step takes about 2.5 minutes. The scanner does not make a loud noise. Pictures are taken from your crown to your groin/knees. It is important that you lie still while scanning.
image 1. PET-CT scanner
How long does the investigation take?
In total, the PET-CT scan takes about 30 minutes. Including the preparation, the examination takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
NB: Unfortunately, it can sometimes happen that the research cannot continue. This is because sometimes the radioactive material cannot be delivered. Making this fabric is not easy. The end product must meet strict requirements. Before being taken to hospital, the substance is carefully tested. Sometimes the delivery is rejected. We only hear about this shortly before. If this happens, we’ll have to move your investigation. Often it can still be done the same day, but at a different time. But sometimes we have to move it to another day. We understand that this is very annoying for you. We ask for your understanding.
Is the radioactive liquid you are given dangerous?
The radioactive material is not dangerous to your health. The substance disappears from your body on its own within a few hours.
Risks when administering radioactive material
If you have to undergo an examination in the nuclear medicine department, you will usually be given a radioactive substance through a needle or an IV into a blood vessel. The following side effects may occur.
- Regular: bruise (hematoma) at the site of application.
- Rare: The needle or IV is not positioned properly and the radioactive material does not enter the bloodstream. This can sometimes be painful for a short time.
Watch the information film about the PET-CT scan here?
The Nuclear Medicine Department will send the results of the test to your treating doctor. You will receive the results from your treating physician.
Do you have any questions? Then you can call:
Nuclear medicine
088 624 52 38 (available from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Can not you come? Let us know quickly and we will make a new appointment.