Does nuclear medicine perform PET-CT scans?

The nuclear medicine team manages the radioactive tracer and the PET part of the examination, while trained imaging professionals operate the combined scanner and produce images for interpretation. Local arrangements differ, so your appointment may be inside a nuclear medicine department or a combined imaging centre.

PET shows how the tracer is distributed in body tissues, while CT supplies detailed anatomical pictures. Reviewing both image sets together can help the clinical team assess an area of concern, plan care, or check response to treatment. The scan itself does not establish every diagnosis on its own; its findings are considered alongside your history, examination, laboratory results, and other imaging. A specialist interprets the images and sends a report to the clinician who requested the test.

Follow the appointment instructions about eating, drinking, medicines, and activity because preparation depends on the tracer and reason for scanning. Tell the department beforehand if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, breastfeeding, have diabetes, or have difficulty lying still. Bring your medicine list and relevant previous imaging if requested. After the tracer is given, you may wait quietly before imaging begins. Remaining still during image collection helps reduce movement blur.

Tell staff immediately if you develop trouble breathing, facial or throat swelling, faintness, or rapidly worsening discomfort during the appointment. Severe reactions are not expected, but these symptoms require prompt assessment wherever they occur. Contact the imaging team if the injection site becomes increasingly painful, swollen, red, or hot after you leave. For unrelated severe symptoms, use the urgent-care route advised in your area rather than waiting for the scan report.

Ask which tracer will be used, whether any medicines need adjustment, how your results will be communicated, and whether recent treatment could affect interpretation. If you care for children, are breastfeeding, or expect close contact with someone who is pregnant, ask whether temporary contact precautions apply after this particular scan.