Ambulatory

Positron Emission Tomography PET/CT

La PET-CT is a diagnostic test which combines two imaging techniques: the PET (Positron Emission Tomography) and the TC (Computed Tomography). This technique belongs to the nuclear medicine.

Thanks to the use of radiopharmaceuticals, PET allows us to study metabolism, while CT provides anatomical images.

The integration of the two techniques offers a more complete diagnostic evaluation.

What is the PET scan used for?

THEPET scan It allows the biological activity of cells and tissues to be evaluated and is mainly used in oncology, but it also finds application in the study of inflammatory and infectious diseases, in the neurological and cardiac fields.

La PET in nuclear medicine integrates functional and anatomical information, supporting diagnostic and therapeutic guidance.

When is PET prescribed?

PET is prescribed by the doctor if further investigation is needed.

Among the main indications in oncology are:

Staging of most oncological diseases
Evaluation of response to therapies in cancer patients.
Monitoring and suspected disease recurrence in cancer patients

It is a painless and non-invasive test, with limited and clinically justified radiation exposure.

What is the difference between PET and MRI?

La PET , magnetic resonance (RM) They are different and in some cases complementary tests:

La magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lets get high-definition anatomical images without the use of ionizing radiation.
La PET allows the study of the metabolic activity of tissues.

The doctor may indicate one or the other method, or both, depending on the clinical needs.

How is the PET scan performed?

To carry out the exam a radiopharmaceutical, that is, a chemical compound containing a radioactive isotope that detects the metabolic activity of the organs and tissues examined.

La PET preparation It may vary depending on the type of examination or the type of radiopharmaceutical used.

How long does a PET scan take?

The patient's stay in the ward is between 2 and 4 hours, considering preparation, waiting and image acquisition.

How long does it take to get the PET results?

The images are analyzed by the nuclear medicine physician. The report is usually available within a few days, approximately 3 business days.

PET-CT in our clinic

The clinic has a Biograph mCT40 PET-CT scanner, equipped with time-of-flight technology.

This equipment is designed to:

Provide high-resolution images, useful for studying even small lesions.
Allow for easier examination thanks to the wide gantry opening (78 cm), which makes it easier to accommodate even patients with claustrophobia or large builds (up to 225 kg).