Which specialist performs a PET-CT scan?

A PET-CT combines information about tissue activity with detailed body images. The nuclear medicine team reviews your medical history, confirms preparation requirements, administers the tracer when appropriate, and checks the images for technical quality. A radiologist may also contribute to the CT interpretation, while your referring doctor uses the report alongside symptoms, examination, and other test results.

The scan itself involves positioning and staying still while images are acquired. The team explains eating, drinking, medicine, and blood-sugar instructions beforehand because preparation can affect image quality.

Follow the imaging centre’s preparation instructions and tell the team if you have diabetes, might be pregnant, are breastfeeding, have difficulty lying still, or have recently received another tracer or contrast agent. Wear comfortable clothing and bring your medicine list. Ask whether you should take your usual medicines and how long the appointment may take, including the waiting period before imaging.

Tell staff immediately about dizziness, feeling faint, pain, or discomfort during preparation or imaging. After leaving, contact the centre or seek urgent care for severe breathing difficulty, facial swelling, widespread rash, fainting, or rapidly worsening illness. The nuclear medicine team can explain which reactions need prompt assessment and where to go after hours.

Ask why PET-CT is recommended, what preparation applies to you, whether a tracer or contrast agent will be used, and when the report will reach your referring doctor. Ask who will explain the findings and whether your regular medicines, diabetes plan, or mobility needs require special arrangements.