Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/MRI Scan

A PET scan utilizes a particular substance called a radioactive tracer which, when it enters the body, becomes absorbed into the body’s organs and tissues. The PET scanner highlights the tracer, revealing information as to how well the organs and tissue are functioning. This type of scan is used most commonly in the detection of cancer, heart conditions, brain abnormalities, and complications with the central nervous system.

A PET/MRI exam combines a PET scan with an MRI scan to create highly detailed images of the physical anatomy. The MRI displays the internal structures of the body while the PET highlights abnormalities alluding to disease. PET/MRI scans expose patients to approximately 50% less radiation than PET/CT scans. (http://www.radiologyinfo.org).

Children can take a virtual tour of their PET/MRI study.

Appointment Information

You may receive a call from us to review your medical history to determine that no issues exist preventing you from having a PET/MRI scan. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please call (585) 784-2985 at least 24 hours before your procedure. The radiopharmaceutical used for this test is purchased 24 hours prior to testing and cannot be returned, saved or used on another patient.

We ask that you call at least 3 days ahead if any of the following pertain to you so we may make the appropriate modifications to your treatment plan:

• If you believe you may be pregnant, you are nursing or you are claustrophobic.
• If you have had a contrast allergy/reaction (i.e., hives, rash, itching, breathing difficulty) while undergoing a previous imaging study.
• If you have a pacemaker or surgical implant.
• If you have obstructive sleep apnea.
• If you are taking diabetic medication.
• If you have had any other imaging studies performed at institutions other than Strong Memorial Hospital, Highland Hospital or University Medical Imaging (UMI), so prior images may be requested for comparison.

Instructions Prior to Your Procedure

24 hours prior to your procedure:

• Do not consume caffeine, alcohol or tobacco. Remove any nicotine patches.
• Maintain a low carbohydrate diet. Refrain from eating pasta, breads, potatoes, cereals, rice, desserts, candy and sugar. Do not consume gum, mints, throat sprays, tums or cough drops.
• Do not exercise and avoid strenuous activity (e.g. yard work and house work).​

6 hours prior to your procedure:

• Do not eat. This includes gum, candy and mints. However, you should have 2 glasses (about 16 oz. total) of water before arriving to your exam.

Instructions for the Day of Your Procedure

• Please arrive on time. Allow extra time in your trip for weather, traffic and parking. The radiopharmaceutical used for this procedure will not allow us to accommodate late patients and may result in your exam having to be rescheduled
• Keep warm if your appointment is scheduled during a cold month. Heat your car prior to leaving home for your appointment. The quality of the scan can be affected if a patient is exposed to cold temperatures for a long period of time.
• Remove and leave all jewelry and/or metal at home.
• Leave valuables at home.
• Bring your insurance card and photo ID.
• If you are pregnant, nursing or claustrophobic, notify the nuclear medicine technologist.
• If you have a known contrast allergy, notify the nuclear medicine technologist or nurse.
• All medications, except for diabetic, can be taken with water.
• A parent/guardian should remain in the building when a child (under 19 years) is having an imaging procedure.​
• All parents/guardians having an imaging study must be aware that there is no supervision available for children. Please do not have children accompany you to your appointment.

Instructions After Your Procedure

• After the procedure please wait 3 hours before getting very close to children, pregnant women or pets.
• Your results will be sent to your referring physician within 2 business days. Please contact your physician.
• If you have a MyChart account, your results will be posted in 14 days.

Locations

Positron emission tomography (PET)/MRI scans are provided at the following locations:

• Golisano Children's Hospital