PET/CT
We offer State of the art technology with the Siemens Biograph 16
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The Siemens Proven Excellence Biograph 16 scanner combines true volumetric CT with true volumetric PET. Together, they show you more than you ever thought
possible. Allowing you to quickly pinpoint the tiniest lesions in the greatest detail. For faster, more accurate diagnoses and care. |
PET/CT Scan FAQ’s
Why do I need this exam?
Your PET/CT exam results may have a major impact on your physician’s diagnosis of a potential health problem and, should a disease be detected, how a treatment plan is developed and managed.
A PET/CT exam not only helps your physician diagnose a problem, it also helps predict the likely outcome of various therapeutic alternatives, pinpoint the best approach to treatment, and monitor your progress. If you’re not responding as well as expected, you can be switched to a more effective therapy immediately.
What should I expect when I arrive?
When you arrive, we will take a review of your history and any past exams.
For the PET portion of the exam, you’ll receive a radio-pharmaceutical injection. This is a radioactive tracer that must pass multiple quality control measures before it is used for any patient injection. PET radiopharmaceuticals lose their radioactivity very quickly (2 minutes to 2 hours) and only very small amounts are injected. In all cases, little or no radioactivity will remain in your body 2 to 6 hours after injection.
For most studies, you’ll have to wait for the radiopharmaceutical to distribute itself-typically 30 minutes to an hour. During this time you will be asked to relax.
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What will the scan be like?
You will lie on a comfortable table on the PET/CT scanner. The table will move slowly through the tubeshaped scanner as it acquires the information needed to generate diagnostic images.
You will be asked to lie very still during the scan because movement can interfere with the results. For the CT scan you will be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds to minimize body movements. During the scan, you might hear a humming noise, but you will not feel anything unusual. You may feel the table move while images are being taken at certain locations on your body. The technologist will monitor you during the exam.
The specific details of your upcoming exam will be explained fully by the technologist or your physician.
How long will all this take?
The PET/CT scan should last between 30 and 45 minutes. The exam procedure can vary depending on what we are looking for and what we discover along the way. Plan to spend two to three hours with us.
What happens after the exam?
You may leave us as soon as the exam is complete. Unless you’ve received special instructions, you will be able to eat and drink immediately - drinking lots of fluids soon after the exam will help remove any of the radio-pharmaceutical that may still be in your system.
In the meantime, we’ll begin preparing the results for review by our diagnosticians, and then by your physician, who will tell you what we’ve learned.
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Safety of PET/CT Exams
Be assured that PET/CT exams are a safe and effective diagnostic procedure. The radiopharmaceuticals used in PET don’t remain in your system long, so there’s no reason to avoid interacting with other people once you’ve left. To be extra safe, wait for a few hours before getting too close to an infant or anyone who’s pregnant.
Cardiac CT (CT 64)
Proven Excellence SOMATOM Sensation 64
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Pushing the Boundaries to a New Level
A significant improvement in visualization of the finest details is what physicians expect from CT technology and the SOMATOM Sensation 64 meets this requirement by pushing the boundaries of temporal and spatial resolution to a new level, with previously unachievable image quality.
SOMATOM Sensation 64 provides breathtaking image sharpness and clarity combined with the simplicity and speed of seamless integrated workflow. |
Offering New Levels of Excellence in CT
Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death in most of the world. To help avoid it, experts recommend that people learn the risks for heart disease, be tested and diagnosed as early as possible, and begin treatment as soon as they can. Imaging techniques such as cardiac CT are just one tool doctors use to examine the heart and determine a patient’s risk for developing heart disease.
The SOMATOM Sensation Cardiac 64™ takes CT scanning to new levels, employing the latest and fastest technology to create clear, detailed images of your body that will help your doctor make the best diagnosis, and best treatment, for you.
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A New Level of Speed
Engineered for speed and accuracy so a complete exam of the heart can take as little as 10 minutes, from scan to diagnosis. * Previously, patients suspected of heart attack might undergo a stress test, EKG study, and blood testing, which could take much longer.
Allows doctors to evaluate the most common causes of acute chest pain with a single scan.
Permits some patients to avoid surgical procedures such as cardiac catheterization.
*Results may vary. Data on file.
A New Level of Comfort
64-slice technology requires that you hold your breath for shorter periods than older, 16-slice technology—for example, a scan of the blood vessels in your heart now requires that you hold your breath for 9 seconds, compared to 17 seconds with 16-slice equipment.
A New Level of Clarity
Provides excellent image quality, regardless of your size and weight.Images the beating heart in real time, permitting evaluation of its valves and the motion of its walls in greater detail.
A New Level of Versatility
The SOMATOM Sensation Cardiac 64 can also be used when studying:
Cardiovascular conditions, including stroke and blood clots.
Other conditions involving the brain, colon, or lungs.
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3D/ 4D Ultrasound
The iU22 system provides you with the ability to acquire volume data, interrogate it during the exam or later after the patient has been released, quantify it on-cart or off-cart, and easily transfer images and measurements to reports. There are several methods of acquiring volume data. The method depends on your clinical needs.
- The ultrasound system is used in a medical practice or organization that adheres to appropriate medical standards for the provision of diagnostic ultrasound services such as those of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) or the American College of Radiology (ACR). Photographic (keepsake) ultrasound services are in addition to obstetrical diagnostic ultrasound services and, thus, are not the sole service provided by the practice or organization.
- All diagnostic ultrasound examinations and photographic (keepsake) ultrasounds are performed by RDMS-certified or RDMS-eligible sonographers, sonologists.
- Diagnostic ultrasound examination records and photographic (keepsake) ultrasound records are distinct and, thus, are independently documented in the organization or practice and are independently recorded in the business office.
- Provision of a photographic (keepsake) ultrasound follows the ALARA principle of ultrasound exposure: As Low As Reasonably Achievable.
- A photographic (keepsake) ultrasound is never more than 30 minutes in total duration.
- The patient must sign a waiver written in their spoken language. The waiver must clearly state that
a. The photographic (keepsake) ultrasound is being performed at the patient's request and not for diagnostic purposes.
b. The results of the photographic (keepsake) ultrasound will not be reviewed by a physician.
c. That the patient is the only one who will be given a copy of the results. Thus the patient receives the original and no copies are kept on file at the office.
d. The ultrasound system is used in compliance with all FDA regulations.
These standards are subject to change by the FDA or other regulatory agencies.
3D 4D Ultrasound - Frequently Asked Questions:
What is 3D and 4D Ultrasound?
3D ultrasound is simply the computers ability to use standard ultrasound technology and display this in a 3D image. 4D ultrasound means you can see these 3D images almost instantaneously (real-time 3D)
Is 3D 4D Ultrasound Safe for Me and My Baby?
Hundreds of studies have confirmed the safety of ultrasound to the mother and baby. As 3D and 4D ultrasounds use the same ultrasound energy and intensity as standard 2D ultrasound, it is just as safe.
Do I Need a Note or Prescription from My Doctor?
No. Since this is NOT a diagnostic ultrasound, it will not play a role in your prenatal care with your obstetrical provider or physician.
When Should I Have a 3D or 4D Ultrasound Done?
3D and 4D images are best obtained (for the face) between 28-32 weeks of pregnancy. (For twins-24 to 27 weeks). If you are coming to confirm the gender of the baby with our 2D package, 18-22 weeks would be the best time.
Will My Insurance Company Cover any of This?
Insurance does not cover 3D 4D prenatal ultrasound. It is not considered a diagnostic ultrasound and therefore your insurance company will not be billed. Payment in full is expected at the time the service is performed. We accept cash, checks and major credit cards.
Can You Tell Me if My Baby is a Boy or a Girl?
Yes, we can provide you with information regarding the sex of your baby. Our certified ultrasound technicians are correct over 99% of the time. In rare cases you may be asked to return at a future date to re-look at the gender if it is not clear at your first visit (at no additional charge). If they are wrong about the sex of your baby, we will provide you with a $100.00 gift certificate to buy new baby clothes.
What if I'm having twins - do I have to pay to scan each baby?
Yes - you will receive separate photos of each baby, with one CD and one video. Please let us know when scheduling your ultrasound if you are expecting multiples so we can allow ample time. Twins should be scanned at 24 to 27 weeks for 3D.
Can I Bring My Friends to My Ultrasound Exam?
As space in the room is limited. Please limit the group to no more than two (adults or children) and the mother.
