Positron Emission Tomography machine with provider standing to the side

Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT)

PET/CT uses ionizing radiation (like gamma rays) from positron-emitting radiopharmaceuticals to create three-dimensional tomographic images (“slices”) of the entire body from head to toe. The biodistribution pattern on PET reflects normal physiology or underlying pathophysiology; the CT scanner co-registers the anatomy to create fused images. The radiopharmaceutical is administered intravenously. The service is through a contract with Alliance HealthCare Services. No sedation is available.

Facilities, Technical Capabilities, and Limitations

  • There is one PET/CT scanner (PET scanner coupled to a CT scanner) available for clinical and human research. 
  • The unit produces high-quality digital images.
  • Patients/human research subjects are received inside W-H where bathrooms are available.
  • Radiopharmaceuticals are administered inside the coach unless another location is pre-approved by RSO. 
  • Any 18F-labeled radiopharmaceutical that arrives in a ready-to-inject form can be administered to the patient/research subject and later imaged. 
  • The site’s radioactive materials license allows imaging with 18F-labeled radiopharmaceuticals; 124I and 68Ga radiolabeled compounds.
  • Use of radiopharmaceutical/radiolabeled compounds outside of the three above would require an amendment to the site license.
  • Use of non-Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved radiopharmaceuticals require UK IRB approval.
  • Images are viewable and archived on the Enterprise-wide McKesson PACS; CDs/DVDs can be created as needed.
  • Radiology reports are viewable through SCM/AEHR and can be printed as needed.

Available:  Siemens Biograph MCT Flow with FlowMotion, Lutetium Oxyorthosilicate (LSO) crystals & 40 slice CT available for use at the coach outside Whitney-Hendrickson Building, Pavilion WH,. Table weight limit of 200kg. Bore size (cm) is 70. Only 1 available.

Hours of Operation

  • Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Other days/times by arrangement.

Personnel Resources

  • American Board of Radiology and/or American Board of Nuclear Medicine-certified, subspecialized Radiology Physicians (MDs) who are Authorized Users of Radioactive Materials for Human Use.
  • At least one of the Department of Radiology’s Authorized Users of Radioactive Materials must be named as a Co-Investigator.
  • American Board of Radiology-certified Medical Physicist (PhD).
  • American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB)-certified Technologists in Nuclear Medicine and/or PET. 

Costs

  • The cost of the procedure will be dependent on current contract with Alliance HealthCare Services.
  • Please discuss project and all applicable costs with Radiology Senior Research Coordinator prior to IRB and/or grant submission or renewal. 
  • Radiology costs include the technologist’s time to prepare and image the patient/human research subject according to protocol, process the image data, and archive the images to a CD/DVD if required by the investigator or study sponsor. 
  • Supply costs might be incurred, e.g., radiopharmaceuticals.
  • Professional services by radiology physicians and/or medical physicists are negotiable.