Nuclear Medicine

A PET/CT scan (Positron Emission Tomography and Computed Tomography) is an advanced hybrid imaging scan that combines functional molecular imaging with detailed anatomical imaging in a single examination.

PET/CT scans are widely used for:

• Cancer detection and staging
• Monitoring cancer treatment response
• Detecting tumour recurrence

Our Nuclear Medicine department is equipped with the Siemens Biograph Vision PET/CT scanner, featuring Silicon Photomultiplier digital technology that delivers exceptional image clarity and diagnostic accuracy.

This system incorporates FlowMotion AI technology, enabling faster imaging with routine whole body PET/CT scans often completed within approximately 10 minutes*. Faster scan times improve patient comfort while maintaining high diagnostic precision.

*Actual scan duration may vary depending on patient size, radiotracer type, clinical indication and imaging protocol.

F¹⁸- FDG (Fluorodeoxyglucose) is the most commonly used radiotracer in PET imaging. It is a glucose-based tracer that highlights areas of increased metabolic activity in the body.

Diseased or abnormal cells, particularly cancer cells, typically consume glucose at a higher rate than normal cells. F18 FDG accumulates in these active cells, allowing doctors to detect abnormalities even before structural changes are visible on CT or MRI scans.

This makes F18 FDG PET/CT scans highly effective for early cancer detection, disease staging and treatment monitoring.

Proper preparation is essential to ensure accurate PET/CT scan results. Patients are advised to follow the instructions below:

1. Fasting for 4–6 hours (only plain water is allowed).
2. Take a low carbohydrate meal 1 day prior to the appointment day.
3. For diabetic patients, discuss the possibility of stopping metformin medication for at least 2 days before scan day or switching with other medication.
4. For patients taking insulin, the morning injection dose should be withheld on the scan day. (Be cautious of hypoglycemia symptoms during fasting period).
5. Avoid strenuous physical exercise 1 day prior to the scan.
6. Keep your body warm by wearing thicker clothing materials.
7. Kindly ensure your attire does not contain any metal or zippers.
8. Kindly bring your previous imaging folders (e.g. PET/CT, CT scan, MRI).

Your PET/CT scan experience is designed to be safe, comfortable and efficient.

1. An intravenous cannula will be placed on your arm or hand by our trained staff nurse.
2. Contrast media and medications may be given to reduce anxiety and improve image quality (prescribed by NM Physician).
3. After F¹⁸- FDG radioactive injection, you will rest for at least 45 to 60 minutes before the PET/CT scan is performed.
4. Routine whole-body scan (head to mid-thigh) takes about 10 minutes.
5. You are advised to eat before leaving the hospital provided all vital signs are stable.

Following your scan, patients are advised to:

1. Drink plenty of fluids and urinate frequently for 6 hours.
2. Keep at least 1 metre distance from children and pregnant women for 6 hours.
3. Resume normal diet, activities and medications (if any).