Convenient patient parking is available through the valet service or in the attached parking garage.
Physicians are members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Health Care System’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and are neither employees nor agents of those medical centers, Baylor Diagnostic Imaging Center at Junius, Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas or Baylor
Baylor Medical Pavilion3900 Junius Street, Suite 100Dallas, Texas 75246 BaylorHealth.com
All About Your PET/CT Scan B a y l o r D i a g n o s t i c I m a g i n g C e n t e r a t J u n i u s
A PET/CT scan is a highly advanced medical imaging tool. Positron emission tomography (PET) shows your body’s metabolic activity, while the computed tomography (CT) shows your anatomy. When combined, the PET and CT scans show what’s happening inside your body, including both normal and abnormal metabolic activity, as well as the anatomic details of the area where the normal and abnormal activity is taking place.
A PET/CT scan is most often used to detect and localize a variety of common cancers, or to determine the extent of spread of a cancer or its response to therapy. PET/CT scans also are often used to assess neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer's dementia, or certain cardiac conditions. This information can help your doctor better understand what is happening inside your body and discuss with you the most effective next steps.
What Happens During a PET/CT Scan?
• A PET/CT scan is a non-invasive and painless procedure. Depending on the type of scan, it can be performed in about 90 minutes. Afterward, you may resume your normal activities, such as driving.
• To start the process of your PET/CT scan, you will be given a fruit-flavored drink called a "contrast solution." The contrast solution helps the physician interpreting the image to clearly see your stomach and intestines on the CT images and distinguish them from other structures in your abdomen.
• A small amount of a radioactive sugar compound is then injected into your bloodstream. The radioactive sugar circulates in your body while you relax for approximately one hour. You then lie on a bed that slowly passes through the scanner.
• It’s very important that you do not move or adjust your position during this process so that the two scans can be aligned and fused together.
• When the imaging procedure is complete, the scanner will send the information to a computer that both displays the PET and CT images side by side and "fuses" the images to maximize the information obtained by the study. A physician who specializes in interpreting PET/CT images will review the information and provide a detailed report to your physician, who will share the results with you.
Note: The risks associated with PET/CT scanning are minimal. The radioactive sugar compound, which is commonly called FDG, is short-lived and leaves your body quickly. The radiation exposure associated with a PET/CT scan is similar to that associated with conventional imaging exams.
What Is A PET/CT Scan? The Day Before Your PET/CT Scan
• Do not eat anything after midnight on the night prior to your PET/CT scan, unless you are instructed otherwise.
• If you are diabetic or have other problems with your blood sugar, please call our office at 214-820-6900 to discuss special instructions.
• Unless you are on fluid restriction, please drink at least 8 glasses of water the day before your scan. It is important that you stay hydrated.
• Avoid all beverages with caffeine and/or sugar.• Avoid strenuous exercise or physical activity for 24 hours before your appointment.• Follow the special diet as noted below.
Follow a Special Diet The quality of your scan may be improved if you eat a low-carbohydrate diet for at least 24 hours before your appointment.
You may enjoy a variety of proteins and vegetables, such as • Chicken or fish without breading• Pork, including bacon or ham• Beef• Tofu• Eggs/cheese/milk• Most salad dressings (Check label for those under 5 grams of carbohydrates)• Non-starchy vegetables, such as lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, green beans, broccoli,
Please avoid sugars and carbohydrates, such as: • Fruit and fruit juice• Jelly• Bread/rolls/cakes• Tortillas/rice/pasta• Yogurt• Cereal/oatmeal• Chips/crackers/popcorn• Desserts/candy• Pizza dough/breading on
• Do not eat or drink anything except water within at least 6 hours of your appointment. If your scan is scheduled in the afternoon, you may have a light breakfast early in the morning. (Remember to avoid carbohydrates, as outlined on the previous page.)
• Unless you are on fluid restrictions, drink 2 glasses of water the morning of your scan. If your scan is scheduled in the afternoon, please drink several additional glasses of water before your scan. Remember, it's important to stay hydrated.
• Take your prescribed medications the day of the exam, unless your physician tells you otherwise. If you are taking insulin or other diabetic medications, please call our office at 214-820-6900 to discuss special instructions.
• Wear comfortable clothing. Wear a minimum amount of metallic jewelry.
• Please bring your current insurance card, driver's license or photo identification, and co-payment or deductible, to your appointment.
• Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment. The substance used in a PET/CT scan is very time-sensitive, so it is important for you to arrive on time to help
provide an accurate scan.
Your Financial Responsibility
Most insurance companies and Medicare cover PET/CT scans. Our staff will verify your insurance coverage. You may be required to pay a co-payment or deductible. Our staff will discuss your financial responsibility with you prior to your scheduled PET/CT scan and answer any questions you may have.
A Sample High-Protein, Low-Carbohydrate DietHere is an example of a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet:
Breakfast• Two eggs, any style• Bacon or sausage• Black decaffeinated coffee (no sugar)
Lunch and Dinner• Steak, chicken or salmon (grilled, baked or broiled)• Asparagus, broccoli, or any other green vegetable• A slice or two of cheese• Water or diet soda (non-coffeinated)• No pasta, potatoes, rice or bread!
Thank You for Trusting Baylor
We appreciate the trust you have placed in Baylor Diagnostic Imaging Center at Junius. For more than 100 years, Baylor Health Care System has provided quality medical care to our patients. Your PET/CT scan at Baylor is a vital tool in determining any necessary next steps in your health care. Again, please let us know if you have questions or if there is anything we can do to make you more comfortable.
