PET/CT Scan
A PSMA PET-CT scan is a type of nuclear medicine imaging test used to detect prostate cancer throughout the body. It uses a small, safe amount of radioactive material called a tracer that targets a protein called PSMA, or prostate-specific membrane antigen, expressed by prostate cancer. This tracer binds to your prostate cancer cells, making it easy to image and potentially find the disease in its earliest stages.
The PSMA PET-CT scan machine is open around you, does not touch you, and is not confining. It should not be confused with an MRI scanner that is more of a tunnel-type structure. Even patients with claustrophobia find PSMA PET/CT scans simple and easy.
What can I expect at my appointment?
Upon arrival, the technologist will review your history and take you into the PET-CT scan room. You will receive an injection of a tracer and sit in our PET-CT waiting room for approximately one hour. This allows the tracer to distribute throughout your body. Next, the technologist will bring you back into the PET-CT scan room, where you will lie on the scanner table.
You will be provided instructions throughout the exam and asked to remain as still as possible, as any movement can blur imaging. The images are fed into a computer which displays images for the radiologist to interpret.
The scan can take between 20 to 30 minutes to complete.
What can I expect after my appointment?
After your PSMA PET CT has been completed, you will be able to resume all normal activities. There should be no side effects. You will be able to drive unless you were pre-medicated for your scan. We recommend drinking plenty of liquids/water after the scan is complete. This helps to quickly flush the tracer from your body to ensure you do not become dehydrated.
When will I receive my results?
Our radiologist will review the PSMA PET-CT images and send a report to the ordering physician. Your physician will discuss the results at your follow-up appointment. Your images will be kept on file in our digital radiology imaging system.
Billing information
A.M.P. is pleased to offer the highest standards of uro-radiologic services. A board-certified radiologist interprets all scans performed at our facilities. All imaging is broken down into two components, the technical component, and the professional component.
A.M.P. will bill for the technical component, and CRA Medical Imaging will bill the professional services component. A.M.P. participates with most major insurance plans. Please make sure to bring your insurance card to your appointment, as well as any referrals that your health plan may need. We welcome payment by major credit cards for your convenience.
Preparing for your scan
For study information or to cancel, please call (315) 478-3468. Please follow these instructions prior to your PET-CT/PSMA study:
- Avoid significant or strenuous exercise at least one day prior to your study.
- Be well hydrated the day before and the day of your study.
- Pre-medications: If you were prescribed oral sedation medication to take prior to your study – it will be electronically sent to your pharmacy – take it as prescribed and have a driver on the day of your study.
- Your entire visit for this study will last about 2 hours.
- There are no dietary, medication or clothing restrictions.
- Materials for this study are ordered beforehand and are time sensitive; please make accommodations to keep your scheduled appointment.
- A coordinator will reach out to you 48 hours prior to your scheduled appointment to confirm and discuss additional study instructions.
- Associated Medical Professionals of NY requires advanced notice to cancel an appointment. You’ll need to provide a minimum of 48 hours advance notice for PET-CT scans. Your account will be assessed a $400 fee if you do not meet the minimum notice requirements.