PET/CT at Charter Radiology – Advanced Diagnostics, Targeted Treatment
About PET/CT
PET/CT imaging is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that combines two imaging techniques – positron emission tomography (PET) and Computed tomography (CT). PET/CT provides unique tomographic images to diagnose disease in the earliest stages, detect exact location, distinguish between benign and malignant tumors, monitor treatment response, and help predict whether or not surgical intervention will be beneficial.
Charter Radiology’s advanced 128-slice Biograph mCT PET/CT may detect the early onset of disease before it is visualized on traditional modalities such as X-ray, CT, or MRI. This modality has made a significant impact in oncological and neurological imaging as well as the management of patients. For neurological imaging, PET/CT can also help to diagnose brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy. This powerful diagnostic tool can also show whether a patient is responding to therapy and assess the progression of current disease.
Powerful imaging technology. Advanced diagnostics.
That’s the Charter Radiology difference.
Charter Radiology’s 128-Slice Biograph PET/CT Technology
At Charter Radiology, care starts at the molecular level with our state-of-the-art 128-slice PET/CT Biograph mCT.
Key features:
Advanced Technology
Charter Radiology offers the most advanced imaging with precision and accuracy. With the help of artificial intelligence, we provide faster workforce productivity (we automatically generate and export PACS-ready images), two times faster scans, or half the injected dose without compromising image quality.
Comfort
A wide 78 cm bore, short 135 cm tunnel and 227 kg (500 lb.) table capacity supports the examination of all patient populations (including bariatric), allow for easier patient positioning and enhanced comfort.
Speed and Quality
Our LSO crystal is faster and has a higher light output, enabling better image quality with higher spatial resolution and lesion visualization.
Lowest Radiation Dose
Charter Radiology’s Definition 128-Slice AS scanner with Safire detectors reduces radiation doses by 60%-80%.
PET/CT helps diagnose lung cancer.
These PET/CT images demonstrate high metabolic activity in the right lung which is lit up. A biopsy confirmed that the lesion was malignant (cancerous).
What To Expect During and After PET/CT Imaging
- Avoid any significant exercise for at least 24-hours prior to your exam.
- Patients must fast for at least 6 hours before the appointment at Charter Radiology.
- If you are diabetic, you will receive special instruction the night before the scan to prepare for the test.
- Our nuclear technologist will inject a painless radiotracer IV (intravenous). Usually, the majority of radiotracers take 30 to 45 minutes to travel through your body. During this waiting period, you will be asked to rest and avoid eating or vigorous exercise.
- You will be moved to the PET/CT scanner. The average scanning time is about 15 minutes.
- When the test is complete, you may resume your normal activities.
- The radiotracer will pass through your body through urine, stool, and natural radioactive decay.
- We encourage you to drink plenty of water after the test to help clear the tracer from your body.
Is PET/CT safe?
Charter Radiology’s Definition 128-Slice AS scanner with Safire detectors reduces radiation doses by 60%-80%.
At Charter Radiology we use a low radiation dose. A typically administered dose is about 350 MBq or 7mSV, which is relatively low (compare to a regular CT scan radiation dose of 7mSV without contrast and >15 mSV with contrast).
Why Choose Charter Radiology
Charter Radiology is ACR accredited and dedicated to providing state-of-the-art medical imaging services with access to the most advanced PET/CT technology available. Our goal is to detect and diagnose the concerns of the referring physician and to create more effective treatment plans. Charter Radiology’s multidisciplinary team of University-trained radiologists, nuclear medicine physicians, and scientists provide a truly personalized approach to diagnosis and the most up-to-date treatment.
At Charter Radiology, we pride ourselves on delivering the most compassionate, patient-focused radiology combined with the most advanced imaging technology available anywhere in the region.