PET CT

What Is a PET CT?

This advanced nuclear imaging technique combines positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) into one machine. A PET/CT scan reveals information about both the structure and function of cells and tissues in the body during a single imaging session.

Technology

Jupiter Medical Center offers the Discovery ST Elite, a redesigned PET/CT system completely optimized for cancer care, as well as for neurologic and cardiac imaging. Located at JMC's Outpatient Imaging Center, this system integrates a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanner with a 16-Slice Computed Tomography (CT) scanner and is capable of 2D and 3D imaging with a larger bore for all patient studies or sizes. This Discovery ST Elite system provides physicians with more sensitivity, speed, resolution and diagnostic confidence when treating cancer patients.

The "ST" in Discovery ST Elite stands for "See and Treat," which is what this new system allows physicians to do. Built from the ground up with Six Sigma methodology, the Discovery ST Elite assists our physicians in seeing the disease and planning radiation therapy treatment. The new Discovery ST Elite system will shorten scan times as well as provide improved image quality in both 2D and 3D modes.

One of the major advantages of this system is its ability to perform respiratory gated studies. It enables physicians to more accurately determine the precise size, location and diagnosis in studies where the patient's respiration typically "distorts" the image. Consequently, this feature helps further improve the quality of care for our patients.

GE's Discovery ST Elite combines the fastest and most sophisticated computed tomography (CT) technology with the most advanced Positron Emission Tomography (PET) technology - all in a single exam. PET creates images of high metabolic activity in the body, rather than creating images of anatomy only. CT scans allow our doctors to see the internal structures within the human body. Together, a PET/CT scan allows our physicians to view metabolic activity and pinpoint where abnormal lesions are located so that they may target the disease.

Preparing for Your Test

If you are scheduled for a PET/CT please review the PET/CT Patient Preparation Sheet and complete the Medication Reconciliation Sheet.

Informational Sheets:

• PET SCAN Diet Recommendations
• PET Scan Prep Diabetic Patients
• PET Scan Prep Non-Diabetics

Spanish Informational Sheets:

• DIETA RECOMENDADA PARA TOMOGRAFÍAS POR EMISIÓN DE POSITRONES (PET, por sus siglas en inlgés)
• PREP. PARA TOMOGRAFÍAS POR EMISIÓN DE POSITRONES (PET, por sus siglas en inglés) PARA PACIENTES NO DIABÉTICOS
• PREP. PARA TOMOGRAFÍAS POR EMISIÓN DE POSITRONES (PET, por sus siglas en inglés) PARA PACIENTES DIABÉTICOS