Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a specialized nuclear medicine imaging technique used for diagnosis, staging, restaging, and treatment response assessment in patients with malignancies and metastatic disease. It is also utilized in cardiovascular and neurological evaluations.
At RadCare, we provide high-quality PET scanning services, adhering to the highest standards of accuracy and safety. PET imaging is a powerful tool that can help detect a wide range of medical conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and brain disorders. Your physician may use the results to assist in diagnosing, monitoring, or treating your condition.
Please inform your physician if:
- You have a history of severe allergic reactions.
- You have recently been ill or have any other medical conditions, such as diabetes.
- You are taking any medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
- You are pregnant or suspect you might be.
- You are breastfeeding.
- You suffer from claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces).
Your physician will provide specific instructions to help you prepare for the scan. General guidelines include:
- Avoid strenuous physical activity for two days prior to the scan.
- Refrain from eating for at least four hours before the scan.
PET/CT Scan Preparation
Before the Scan:
- Fasting from food and sugary drinks for 6 hours before the scan (water is allowed).
- Bring recent kidney function test results and fasting blood glucose test (to be performed on the day of the scan)
- Bring a large bottle of water (1.5 liters).
- Avoid carbohydrates, smoking, coffee, and strenuous physical activity for 24 hours before the scan.
- If you have had surgery or a biopsy, bring the pathology report.
- Bring all previous imaging studies, especially prior PET/CT scans and CDs (very important).
- Confirm the report collection time and ask any questions you may have before the scan.
- A companion is highly recommended to accompany the patient.
Important Notes:
- For patients who received chemotherapy: For low-dose chemotherapy, the scan should be done at least 1 week after the last session. For high-dose chemotherapy, wait 2 weeks after the last session.
- For patients who received radiotherapy: Wait 1 full month after the last session before performing the scan.
- For patients who underwent surgery: Wait 3 weeks after surgery before the scan
- For diabetic patients: Fasting blood glucose must be below 200 mg/dL to proceed with the scan and avoid being charged for the radiotracer. Do not take any antidiabetic medications for at least 6 hours before the scan. Coordinate with your treating physician.
For Female Patients:
- Do not wear gold jewelry or any metal accessories (earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, etc.).
Important Notices:
- ⚠️ Cancellations and Rescheduling: If you are unable to attend your appointment, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance to avoid being charged for the radiotracer. As Friday is a public holiday for our radiotracer supplier, cancellations for Saturday appointments must be made 48 hours in advance.
- ⚠️ Radiotracer Supply Delay: In rare cases, the radiotracer supplier may face technical issues that cause delays. You will be informed immediately if this occurs.
PET/CT Scanner: Biograph Horizon from Siemens Healthineers (Available at Al-Namudhajiyah and Al-Nafal Branches)
The Biograph Horizon PET/CT scanner from Siemens Healthineers is an advanced imaging system that combines PET and CT to provide highly accurate and efficient diagnosis for a wide range of clinical conditions.
Key Features:
1. High Image Quality
- Uses small 4×4 mm LSO crystals, providing a volumetric resolution of 78 mm³.
- Supports Time-of-Flight (TOF) technology, which enhances signal-to-noise ratio and improves accuracy in localizing radioactive activity.
2. Artificial Intelligence Technologies
AIDAN AI platform offering features such as:
- FlowMotion™ AI: Automatically defines scan ranges based on patient anatomy.
- OncoFreeze™ AI: Provides motion-free images without increasing scan time.
- FAST PET Workflow AI: Simplifies image preparation and archiving.
- Multiparametric PET Suite AI: Enables absolute quantification compared to SUV alone.
3. High Operational Efficiency
- Enables fast scans with low radiation doses.
- Compatible with all commercially available tracers, expanding clinical applications.
4. Patient Comfort and Experience
- Designed with patient comfort in mind, featuring technologies that reduce scan time and improve image quality.
- Integration with FlowMotion™ improves overall patient experience.
Technical Specifications:
- Volumetric Resolution: 78 mm³
- Crystal Size: 4×4 mm LSO
- TOF Technology: Supported
- AI Platform: AIDAN
- FlowMotion™ Technology: Supported
Clinical Applications:
- Oncology: Tumor diagnosis, assessment, and follow-up.
- Neurology: Diagnosis of nervous system disorders.
- Cardiology: Evaluation of cardiovascular diseases.
- Whole-body dynamic imaging: For research and advanced diagnostics.