SODIUM fLUORIDE (F18-NAF) pet (Fusion) CT BONE SCAN
Recent clinical studies have
shown that Sodium Fluoride (F18-NaF) has proven to be a
superior imaging agent in the diagnosis of bone
metastasis. NaF bone scanning detects 45%
more metastases in the spine as compared to standard
bone scans. A fusion CT allows immediate
comparisons without the inconvenience of additional
imaging.
What is a Sodium Fluoride PET Bone Scan used
for?
This PET scan is used specifically to confirm the
presence of bone metastasis in a patient with diagnosed
cancer. This exam also provides a full
body scan in a shorter time compared to standard bone
scans.
What happens when I arrive for my scan?
When you arrive for your PET scan, you will be
registered by our office personnel and taken to the PET
area. There, a technologist will ask you a series of
questions regarding your medical history. Next, a small
blood sample will be taken to check your blood sugar
(glucose) level. The technologist will inject a small
amount of radioactive glucose into your bloodstream.
This glucose is called a "tracer" and will be
distributed throughout your body. There is no danger to
you from this injection. Radioactive glucose must pass
multiple quality control measures before it is used for
any patient injection. In fact, the radiation exposure
associated with PET is similar to that of a conventional
CT scan.
How does the PET procedure work?
After your injection, you will be asked to relax and
remain relatively still for about an hour. Then, you
will be asked to lie on a table called a scanning bed.
The bed will move slowly through the scanner while it
detects the injected tracer. Some people fall asleep
during the scan. When the imaging procedure is complete,
the scanner sends the resulting information to a
computer. The computer generates numerous images that
will be reviewed by a specially trained physician. Your
doctor will receive a report and picture detailing the
findings of your exam.
How long does the procedure take?
You can expect to be in the PET center for two to three
hours. The actual scan itself takes far less time and
depends on the purpose and type of the study.
How accurate is a Sodium Fluoride PET Bone
Scan?
Recent clinical studies have shown that Sodium Fluoride
Bone Scanning detects 45% more metastases in the spine
as compared to standard bone scans.
It’s fusion with CT provides such better specificity in
the detection of bone metastasis in the bone vs.
degenerative disease, such as arthritis.
How will I feel afterwards?
You should feel fine after the scan. There are no side
effects from the injected tracer. If you have a heart
scan, you may feel flushed afterwards.
Oncology patients undergoing regular PET scans
should be scheduled for a Sodium Fluoride Bone Scan on a
separate day.
What should I do to prepare?
- Do not eat anything after
- Tell your doctor if you are
pregnant, might be pregnant or are a nursing mother.
- Tell your doctor if you are a
diabetic.
- Wear comfortable clothing.
- Take prescribed medications on
the day of your test unless instructed not to do so.
- Wear your hearing aid, glasses
or dentures to the PET center. However, leave
valuables at home or in your patient room.
- Avoid all beverages with caffeine and sugar.
- If you are diabetic and take oral medications or injections, preparation may be different. The PET HOTLINE will furnish you with further instructions.
When will I know the results of my scan?
The results of your PET scan are read within 24 hours
after the scan is completed. You can expect a verbal
report to be available to your physician within a day of
the scan.
What else should I do?
It is important that your other recent x-ray studies
(such as CT or
.
Ask your doctor or call us for more information on any procedure or exam.
To schedule an exam please call our scheduling line at 732-968-5160