Your attending physician has requested a PET-CT scan for you. You can read more about this research in this folder.
A PET-CT examination is a combination of the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and a Computer Tomography (CT scan). The Positron Emission Tomography (PET) provides information about the metabolism. In this test, the radioactive liquid 18F-FES (18F-Fluoroestradiol) is injected into the bloodstream through an IV. This substance spreads in places where there are many estrogen receptors. Estrogen is a sex hormone. Then a scan is made.
A CT scan is also performed. The images from the PET and CT are superimposed on the computer. This makes it easier to see where the radioactive substance is absorbed into the organs and structures. X-rays are used in a CT scan.
At home
- You will be called at home 1 or 2 working days before the examination. One of our employees will then go through a questionnaire with you.
- Are you not at home on these days? Then call us. We are available between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- Would you like a soothing tablet (Valium) during the examination? Then arrange for someone to take you home after the examination.
On the day of the examination
- You don’t have to be sober. So you can eat as usual.
- Drink 1 liter of water 2 hours before your appointment. Example: if you have to report at 10 a.m., you drink 1 liter of water between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.
- You can just pee. You don’t have to come with a full bladder.
- Your doctor may have told you to (temporarily) stop taking your medicines.
- Wear clothes without metal parts. So without zippers, hooks, bra straps or press studs. Jewelery is better left at home.
- Bring your phone with your own music. You can then listen to music in the preparation room.
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.
You first go to the toilet to empty your bladder. The lab technician then explains how the test is going. He or she will also ask you if you would like a soothing tablet (Valium). You can choose this if, for example, you are very nervous about the examination. Or if you are afraid of small spaces. After taking Valium, you are not allowed to drive a car, bicycle, moped or motorcycle for 72 hours.
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 will lie on a bed and move as little as possible. You may be given a blanket to prevent you from getting cold. You may listen to your own music.
- After this hour you go to the toilet again to urinate. 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 three 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.
Figure 1. PET-CT scanner
How long does the investigation take?
About 35 minutes to a maximum of 60 minutes. After that you are done and you can leave the department. In total, the examination takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours. This includes the processing time of 1 hour.
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. Unfortunately, it often happens that a delivery is rejected. We only hear about this shortly before. If this happens, we’ll have to move your investigation. Often it can be done the same day 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?
When will you receive the results of the PET-CT?
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.
Last modified March 3, 2023 / 8585