Frequently Asked Questions

FluoroDeoxy Glucose, FDG, is basically "sugar water." It is a tracer that is attached to sugar (glucose) that is designed to seek out the tumor cells in your body. This tracer helps us to decide whether a tumor is benign or malignant. There are no side effects or adverse reactions associated with this tracer.

This test allows your physician to determine whether a tumor is benign or malignant. It can also determine the extent of disease and can monitor treatment.

This test has been in research phase since the 1960's, however, clinically it has only been in use for approximately 5 years. This long delay in clinical applications is due to the fact that the FDG is much more readily available today.

While anatomical imaging modalities like MRI and CT are focused on structural changes, P.E.T. evaluates the chemical and physiological changes related to metabolism. Since metabolic changes occur long before structural damage to tissue is evident, P.E.T. allows for the detection of disease that other imaging modalities are incapable of detecting. In many instances, early detection and treatment can have a major impact on the outcome of treatment.

Shortly before your P.E.T. exam, a very small amount of radioactive labeled glucose (FDG) is infused. The amount of radiation you will receive is about the same as any other radiology procedure (CT scans or Nuclear Medicine procedures). You should not feel any side effects from the material. Most of the radioactivity will be gone by the time you leave the department.

An IV line be started in your hand or arm in order to infuse the radio-labeled glucose. Approximately one hour after the substance is injected, the substance is effectively circulated throughout the body. The patient, while laying on their back, is then moved through the scanner at 10-minute intervals for approximately one hour. The scan itself causes no pain. During the scanning process, patients can communicate at any time with the technologist, and can enjoy their favorite music on either tape or compact disc.

Patients are able to resume normal daily activities after their examination. There will be no after effects or side effects.

The final results will be given to your referring physician as soon as the images are analyzed, usually within two working days.

Many insurance companies reimburse for some P.E.T. procedures, including Medicare. Please contact your insurance directly to learn about payment reimbursement.

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				FluoroDeoxy Glucose, FDG, is basically "sugar water." It is a tracer that is attached to sugar (glucose) that is designed to seek out the tumor cells in your body. This tracer helps us to decide whether a tumor is benign or malignant. There are no side effects or adverse reactions associated with this tracer.




				This test allows your physician to determine whether a tumor is benign or malignant. It can also determine the extent of disease and can monitor treatment.



				This test has been in research phase since the 1960's, however, clinically it has only been in use for approximately 5 years. This long delay in clinical applications is due to the fact that the FDG is much more readily available today.

				While anatomical imaging modalities like MRI and CT are focused on structural changes, P.E.T. evaluates the chemical and physiological changes related to metabolism. Since metabolic changes occur long before structural damage to tissue is evident, P.E.T. allows for the detection of disease that other imaging modalities are incapable of detecting. In many instances, early detection and treatment can have a major impact on the outcome of treatment.

				Shortly before your P.E.T. exam, a very small amount of radioactive labeled glucose (FDG) is infused. The amount of radiation you will receive is about the same as any other radiology procedure (CT scans or Nuclear Medicine procedures). You should not feel any side effects from the material. Most of the radioactivity will be gone by the time you leave the department. An IV line be started in your hand or arm in order to infuse the radio-labeled glucose. Approximately one hour after the substance is injected, the substance is effectively circulated throughout the body. The patient, while laying on their back, is then moved through the scanner at 10-minute intervals for approximately one hour. The scan itself causes no pain. During the scanning process, patients can communicate at any time with the technologist, and can enjoy their favorite music on either tape or compact disc.

				Patients are able to resume normal daily activities after their examination. There will be no after effects or side effects.

				The final results will be given to your referring physician as soon as the images are analyzed, usually within two working days.

				Many insurance companies reimburse for some P.E.T. procedures, including Medicare. Please contact your insurance directly to learn about payment reimbursement.