Northside Hospital Receives One Of The Nation’s First Mobile PET/CT Scanners
Northside Hospital has received one of the nation’s first PET/CT scanners placed in a mobile van, effective May 14 2003, combining the two leading imaging technologies within a single study for detecting cancer.
More than 1.3 million people will be diagnosed with cancer in 2003. There will be 33,400 new cases of cancer in Georgia alone. PET imaging is rapidly becoming the gold standard for diagnosis and treatment planning of cancer. PET/CT scans provide complete information regarding the exact location, size, nature and extent of cancer - anywhere in the body.
Northside began using PET (Positron Emission Tomography) in 2001, and since that time has performed more oncology PET imaging than any other community hospital in Georgia. PET detects sites of cancer not seen by other imaging modalities, differentiating scar tissue from tumor and benign from malignant lesions. It also produces images showing metabolism or biochemical changes.
“The detailed information that a PET scan provides substantially increases the confidence that cancer diagnoses are correct and complete,” says James Weinstein, M.D., radiologist on staff at Northside Hospital.
Through use of X-rays, CT (computerized tomography) produces an accurate anatomical image of the body – a “slice” of an organ or particular area. Together, PET and CT reveal a complete picture - providing both anatomic and metabolic information at one time, in stunning detail, to help physicians diagnose and localize cancer.
“Nearly 3,000 cases of cancer are diagnosed and/or treated at Northside Hospital each year,” says Dr. Weinstein. “The fusion of PET and CT imaging on one piece of equipment is the next wave of imaging technology.”
Before having a PET/CT scan, the patient receives a dose of a radiopharmaceutical tracer, which contains a sugar that accumulates in cancerous cells. During the scan, the tracer is detected by the system, creating an image of the patient and highlighting any abnormal physiology. This image helps physicians* determine if disease is present, the location and extent of disease and how rapidly it is spreading.
“Combining PET and CT into one process shortens scan times by 30 percent,” says Dr. Weinstein, “therefore, increasing the patient’s comfort.” PET/CT also allows for earlier detection and diagnosis, more accurate staging and localization, and more precise treatment and monitoring.
Northside Hospital is contracting with PET Scans of America for the mobile PET/CT system. Use of the system enables Northside Hospital to provide a broader range of services to patients and offer the very latest diagnostic techniques. Appointments are now being accepted. All scans are performed at Northside Hospital and are read by radiologists on staff at Northside Hospital.
For more information about PET or to find a physician who can order the procedure, call Northside Hospital Doctor Matching at (404) 851-8817.
Length of procedure:
39 minutes
Preparation prior to procedure:
- Do not eat any food or drink anything other than water for 4 hours prior to the procedure. Patients may have water to drink on the day of the exam.
- Continue to take any routine medicines as prescribed.
- Do not have any caffeine products for 12 hours prior to the procedure.
- Please arrive in the Admissions office of the Northside Atlanta location 30 minutes prior to the scheduled procedure time to allow for registration and assessment.
- No strenuous activity for 24 hours prior to your appointment.
- Wear warm, loose fitting clothing with no metal buttons or zippers. Hospital gowns are available if preferred.
- The procedure will take approximately 2-3 hours from the time of arrival to the time to departure.
- If you have previous MRI or CT films that were not done at Northside Hospital, bring a copy of the films so that they can be compared to the PET/CT.
Post exam instructions:
No special instructions.
