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 Informative
Facts Concerning Health Resource
Below
is a list of some frequently asked questions. Please contact our
office for additional information. The number is: (516)
355-5550
Our
competent staff is always
pleased to assist you.
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How much radiation
am I exposed to during a PET scan? |
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You will receive
radiation exposure in an amount equivalent to
about two chest x-rays.
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I’m pregnant,
should I have a PET scan? |
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In most cases the
answer is no. However, if you and your doctor
determine the benefits of the PET scan outweigh any risks, the
PET scan may be performed.
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I’m breastfeeding,
should I have a PET scan? |
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You may have the
PET scan. However, you will be asked to
suspend breastfeeding for three days. No radioactivity will be
left in your system after this period of time.
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Are there any
reactions from the injection of FDG? |
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There are no known
adverse reactions that require medical
intervention.
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How long is a PET
scan? |
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PET/CT scan usually takes 30 min, but can take up to 50 min.
There is 2 hrs of preparation involved prior to the scan.
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Will my
insurance pay for the PET scan? |
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Most private
insurance companies will pay for PET scans.
Medicare will only pay for certain indications: Lung cancer
presently; Colorectal, Lymphoma and Melanoma as of July 1,
1999.
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Why can’t I just
have a CT scan instead? |
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A CT scan is great
for looking at anatomy. A CT scan cannot
image physiology, however. A CT scan cannot tell if some small
lesions are malignant. PET can determine if these lesions are
malignant by looking at their metabolism rate. PET can also
determine if treated cancer has been eliminated and only scar
tissue is left versus an active tumor that treatment has failed
to kill.
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I’ve already had a
CT scan (or lots of other tests), why do I need
another test like a PET scan? |
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One PET scan versus
two or three CT scans can check your entire
body for the spread of cancer. PET can help your doctor
determine
what treatment plan is best for you. A PET scan
can later help
your
doctor determine the effectiveness of the therapy.
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I am claustrophobic,
will I be in a tube? |
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Yes, and it is about twice as deep as a CT scanner. Your
head will be in the scanner for about 1/4 of the time.
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Is there any special
preparation prior to the PET scan? |
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You will be asked
to not eat after midnight and drink only water the
morning of the scan. You should also not exercise for
twenty-four
hours prior to the scan.
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I’m diabetic, are
there any special precautions prior to the PET scan?
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Your blood glucose
level may need to be stabilized prior to the PET
scan. Contact the Nuclear Medicine department for details.
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LSQ Medical Building
6 Ohio Drive
Lake Success, NY 11042
Tel: (516) 355-5550
Fax: (516) 355-5454
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E-Mail
- info@lipetscan.com |
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