478-633-4PET (4738)
Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm
World-Class Cancer Imaging
Is Closer Than You Think.
PET/CT Center Navicent Health
The PET/CT Center Navicent Health has provided world-class imaging services to residents of central Georgia for more than 18 years. All scans are interpreted by experienced, specialty-trained, board-certified radiologists using the latest state-of-the-art technology to provide patients and physicians accurate images.
DiscoveryTM MI DR
What Is PET/CT Scan?
Precautions
Consult your ordering doctor regarding pregnancy, breastfeeding, and claustrophobia prior to having our scan.
Nuclear medicine procedures have minimal risk and maintain radiation exposure to as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA).
Most CTs do not require contrast, however, if contrast is indicated, there is minimal risk to adverse reactions. Patients should let their doctor know if they’ve ever had a reaction to iodine contrast or have kidney issues.
Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography (PET/CT) is an advanced diagnostic procedure that can detect diseases that often cannot be seen with other imaging studies. These diseases include many types of cancers, heart disease, gastrointestinal, endocrine or neurological disorders and other abnormalities.
A PET scan is an effective way to examine the chemical activity in parts of your body. It may help identify a variety of conditions, including many cancers, heart disease and brain disorders. The pictures from a PET scan provide different information than other types of scans, like computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), allowing your doctor to provide you with accurate diagnosis and treatment. A PET scan or a combined PET-CT scan enables your doctor to better diagnose illness and assess your condition. The scan uses a radioactive tracer which is then absorbed by certain organs and tissues. When detected by a PET scanner, the tracers help your doctor see how well your organs and tissues are functioning.
A PET scan offers the potential for earlier detection of a problem or disease and has greater accuracy in staging cancer. PET offers more precise treatment planning and is effective in tracking the response to regimens.
In diagnosing cancer, the test shows how sugar is being used in the body. As cancer tumors need sugar to grow, the scan helps oncologists evaluate and stage the spread of cancer in a patient’s body.
First, a quick CT scan is acquired, followed by a subsequent PET scan. The entire scan can take 20-45 minutes, depending on the area of the body being imaged.
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Arrive at the office early enough to register and to talk with one of our nurses or technologists about what to expect during the tests.
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Please have your insurance cards and photo ID.
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Let the technologist know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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No food, gum, mints, cough drops for six hours before exam
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Refrain from heavy exercise 24-48 hours prior to your exam
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Drink plenty of water
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Take all regularly prescribed medicine before the exam, unless directed to do otherwise
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Bring a list of all medications including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
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Patients receive a reminder call or text to confirm appointments. Please notify us as soon as possible if you need to reschedule your scan.
Preparing for your PET Scan
Referrals
If your physician recommends a PET/CT scan, ask to be referred to PET/CT Center Navicent Health, 478-633-4PET (4738). Same day physician-to-physician consultations as well as results reports are available.
