Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography (PET-CT)

Positron Emission Tomography - Computed Tomography (PET-CT) scan is an imaging modality that combines functional information such as metabolism (provided by PET) and anatomical information (provided by CT) to produce superimposed fusion images. It is a powerful tool in the diagnosis and monitoring of most cancers, many infective/inflammatory conditions and neurological conditions.

Union Imaging and Healthcheck Centre has installed a state-of-the-art digital PET/CT scanner, the Discovery MI, equipped with 4-ring digital LightBurst PET detector, 64 slices high definition CT detector along with the most innovative reconstruction technology including the combination of Time-of-Flight (TOF) and Q.Clear. These features improve the sensitivity and image quality of the scanner, there by enhancing diagnostic accuracy while enabling reduction of radiation dose and scan time.

Features of Discovery MI

The premium 4-ring digital PET detector converts received radiation information directly to image signal. It drastically increases the sensitivity of the equipment allowing scanning time and radiation dose to be reduced.

Union Imaging & Healthcheck Centre | Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography (PET-CT) | 6-minute scan with Discovery MI
6-minute scan with Discovery MI
Union Imaging & Healthcheck Centre | Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography (PET-CT) | 12-minute scan with normal PET scanner
12-minute scan with normal PET scanner

Q. Clear is an innovative reconstruction algorithm which improves quantitative accuracy (SUVmean) and image quality (SNR)

Union Imaging & Healthcheck Centre | Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography (PET-CT) | Image with previous generation reconstruction algorithm
Image with previous generation reconstruction algorithm
Union Imaging & Healthcheck Centre | Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography (PET-CT) | Image with Q. Clear
Image with Q. Clear

The new generation detector and reconstruction algorithm improves the visualization of small lesions so that early cancer/abnormalities can be easily detected.

Preparations
  • Do not eat at least 6 hours prior to your appointment
  • You will be asked to drink 750ml of plain water during the uptake period
  • Avoid vigorous exercise 24 hours prior to your appointment
  • For diabetic patients, if your appointment is in the morning. Please stop the morning dose of metformin and insulin injection. If your appointment is in the afternoon, please take the morning dose of metformin and insulin injection as prescribed after your breakfast.
Procedures
  1. You will be asked to remove any clothing, jewelry, or other objects that may interfere with the scan.
  2. You will be given a gown to wear.
  3. Your medical history will be collected.
  4. The radiopharmaceuticals will be injected intravenously. The radiopharmaceuticals will be allowed to concentrate in the organ or tissue for about 1 hour. (10 to 15 minutes for a C-11 acetate scan)
  5. After the radionuclide has been absorbed for the appropriate length of time, you will be asked to empty the bladder prior to the start of the scan.
  6. When the scan starts, the scanner will move slowly over the body part being studied. The scan takes around 20-30 minutes.
  7. The whole exam takes around two to two and a half hour.
Reminders
  • Tell our staff if you have a history of contrast medium allergy
  • Tell our staff if there is any possibility of pregnancy
  • Avoid crowded area or prolong close contact with child under 12 years old or pregnant women within 6 hours after the scan
  • Avoid breast feeding and blood taking within 6 hours after the scan