New PET-CT Upgrade Means Lowered Dose for Patients
Posted on Tue, Sep 06, 2011
PIC is pleased to announce the recent purchase and installation of an upgrade to our PET-CT scanner. The upgrade enables us to use less dose for each patient and obtain more sensitive diagnostic images. The improvement has been in place since August 1, 2011.
Scanning PET patients requires the injection of a radioactive tracer isotope called FDG. It is created in Seattle specifically for PIC patients, based on the patients height, weight, and appointment time. According to Kate Hiemstra, PET-CT technologist, “[FDG] has a very short half life, degrading quickly. It takes quite a coordinated effort to ensure that commercial flights bring the dose in a timely manner. The radiopharmacist must then adjust the dose appropriately so the right amount is there for each patient.”
PIC anticipates the upgrade will reduce appointment cancellations due to flight delays and the other dose limiting circumstances that affect scheduling. According to Laura McDonough, PIC’s executive director, “We’re excited for these changes as we continue to improve our imaging process to better help patients, while maintaining the same standard of excellence we’ve provided over the past five years.”
To learn more about these improvements, or to schedule an appointment, contact our PET-CT scheduler at (907) 212-3146. We are proud to be one of only two PET facilities in the state who are currently accredited by the American College of Radiology.