PET/CT Oncology FDG

A fludeoxyglucose-18 (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) scan is an imaging test that is commonly used to look for cancer in the body. These PET scans use a substance, called a radiotracer, to highlight areas of activity within the body that are suggestive of cancer. The most common type of PET radiotracer used in cancer care is FDG, which is a radioactive substance similar to glucose (a type of sugar). Cancer cells use more glucose than normal cells to grow and spread. Therefore, the FDG radiotracer will pool in areas of the body that have cancer.

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Test Preparation

• Do not eat or drink anything other than plain water for 6 hours prior to your scan. You are encouraged to drink water to stay hydrated throughout the process. You may take your regular medications (with the exception of diabetic patients, see note below). Do not chew gum or have breath mints/candies for 6 hours prior to your scan.
• Please avoid high sugar meals and avoid extraneous exercise 24 hours prior to your PET scan. Wear loose, comfortable layers of clothing free of metal buttons/zippers.
• If you are claustrophobic, you may reach out to your referring physician who may be able to provide you with a prescription to make you more comfortable. If your referring physician prescribes any sedatives that will impair you from operating any motorized vehicle, you are required to have a designated driver to drive you home after your scan.
• If you are diabetic, on insulin, or if you are on peritoneal dialysis treatment, please contact us for the additional fasting instructions and restrictions on your diabetic medications.

What to Bring

• Please bring your health card with you to your appointment.
• If you are not covered through OHIP, please bring any insurance information.
• Bring a list of your current prescription medications and vitamins/supplements.
• Bring a light snack/lunch and any activities you would like to keep yourself busy with while waiting for your images.

Other Notes

• Please let us know if you are experiencing any respiratory or gastrointestinal signs/symptoms and do not feel well enough to attend your appointment.
• If you do not speak or understand English, please ensure you can bring someone to your appointment that can communicate and understand English, and that they can stay for the full duration of your appointment.
• If you use a wheelchair, are pregnant, or there is a chance of pregnancy or breastfeeding, please call us.
• If you have had a PET scan at another facility in the past week, please also call us.

Arrival Time

• Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment to complete some paperwork and check-in.
• If you late cancel or no show for your appointment, you may be charged a cancellation fee.

Duration

• The approximate duration is 2 – 3 hours, however please allow additional time for the entire appointment.

During the Test

• Your blood sugar level will be measured using a glucometer.
• A radioactive, sugar-based, saline solution will be injected intravenously, which will enter the bloodstream. You will then be instructed to rest for approximately 60 minutes to allow the solution to distribute throughout the body.
• Once rested, you will be asked to lie as still as you can during the scan. The imaging process takes approximately 30 – 60 minutes. You will be able to communicate with the technologist throughout the scan.

After the Test

• You are encouraged to drink 3 – 4 cups of fluids and you may return back to your normal activities unless your physician tells you otherwise. If you are travelling by plane, train or crossing the border after your test, please inform the technologist.
• Your referring physician should receive your results by your next consultation date. If you do not have an appointment set-up with them, they should receive them in approximately 7-10 days.

Contact Details

• You can reach us at 1-877-564-5227, extension 5. Our call centre is open Monday to Fridays from 8am-6pm, and Saturdays from 9am-5pm. If you have a next-day or same-day appointment, you can reach us outside of our call centre hours, by pressing extension 7.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I access my medical images and reports through PocketHealth?

• Yes, you can access your medical images through PocketHealth. However, written reports are currently not available through the platform. If you would like a copy of your report, please reach out to the referring doctor.

How do I get to the clinic?

• For directions to the clinic and the nearest major intersection, please see Locations & Directions

Can I proceed with the appointment if I am on oxygen?

• We’ll need to understand why you’re on oxygen to determine if we can proceed. Depending on the underlying condition, we may not be able to proceed with the appointment. Please ensure you contact us to discuss prior to your appointment.

Is it okay to wear body lotion or perfume for my appointment?

• Please do not wear any scented products to the appointment.

What if I've misplaced my health card?

• You can still attend your appointment if you bring a printed copy, photocopy, or photo of your health card.

Will there be any out-of-pocket costs?

• Most services, including Specialist Consults and diagnostic testing, are covered by OHIP.
• If you're paying privately, some insurance providers can be billed directly.
• In other cases, you may need to pay upfront and submit the receipt to your insurance.
• If you do not have OHIP coverage, out-of-pocket payment is required.

Do you have wifi at the clinics?

• Yes, we have wifi available.

Where can I provide feedback or file a complaint?

• You can provide feedback or file a complaint via email at [e-mail] or by visiting our website here.

Can you provide a doctor's note that can send to my employer?

• Yes, we can provide work letters on the day of your appointment. Please ask the reception team.

Can I brush my teeth with toothpaste prior to my test?

• Yes, you can brush your teeth with toothpaste prior to your test.

How much water should I drink before the test?

• Just drink enough to stay hydrated, as well a few glasses of water before the test.

Can I get a flu shot prior the appointment?

• You can get a flu shot prior to the appointment. This will not have any affect on the test results.

Will I be lying on my back for the test?

• During tests at Scarborough and Kitchener locations, you will lie face down. At all other locations, you will lie on your back. If you cannot lie still on your back on the exam bed for scanning, please call us.