PET/MRI Hybrid Imaging at ZP
We were the first outpatient facility in the United States to offer PET/MRI. This innovative machine combines the simultaneous power of whole-body Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) to more accurately detect, characterize, stage, and treat oncological, neurological, and cardiovascular diseases. Also, PET/MRI significantly reduces radiation exposure, making it ideal for imaging certain pediatric conditions.
What Are Some Uses for PET/MRI?
Pictures of a PET/MRI Scan
Acute diagnosis and treatment options
Two Exams in one
Enhanced Image quality
Cutting-Edge Technology And Exceptional Image Quality
This new technology combines PET and MRI for exceptional image quality, more conclusive diagnosis, and lower radiation in a single exam. The powerful combination of molecular, functional and anatomic information provides essential data for critical treatment decisions.
How It Works
PET/MRI is a hybrid imaging modality that simultaneously acquires MRI and PET images.
For the PET portion of either study, a small amount of radioactive material is injected into the body. The type of radioactive material depends on the exam. Once the injection is completed, the patient will wait about 60 minutes in a quiet area with limited movement while the body absorbs the material.
More of the radiotracer material will accumulate in the cells with higher chemical activity, which generally corresponds to the areas of disease.
For the MRI portion, radio waves are transmitted into your body via a large magnetic field. The radio waves bounce back differently depending on what kind of tissue, or abnormalities within the tissue, those waves hit. The machine records the activity and uses the information to create detailed images of the organs, tissues, and other structures inside the body.
During the Test
MRI uses a very powerful magnet. It is extremely important that you do not bring any metal into the area. Doing so can create a dangerous scenario for you and for staff members.
You must remove all jewelry and any other metallic objects such as hearing aids, jeans with metal zippers, body piercings, and removable dental work. Wearing a sweatsuit with no metal may prevent you from having to change into a gown.
Preparations
MRI uses a very powerful magnet. It is extremely important that you do not bring any metal into the area. Doing so can create a dangerous scenario for you and for staff members.
You must remove all jewelry and any other metallic objects such as hearing aids, jeans with metal zippers, body piercings, and removable dental work. Wearing a sweatsuit with no metal may prevent you from having to change into a gown.
PET/MRI uses a very powerful magnet. It is extremely important that you do not bring any metal into the area. Doing so can create a dangerous scenario for you and for staff members.
You must remove all jewelry and any other metallic objects such as hearing aids, jeans with metal zippers, body piercings, and removable dental work. Wearing a sweatsuit with no metal may prevent you from having to change into a gown.
24 hours prior to the PET/MRI scan
Refrain from any strenuous activity and do not eat or drink any caffeinated products (no coffee, tea, soda, chocolate, etc.), decaffeinated products, or juice. Eat a low carbohydrate diet (no bread, pasta, potatoes, rice, cereals, beans, or sweets). Chicken, fish, eggs, beef, cheese, bacon, and green vegetables are all okay to eat.
On the day of the PET/MRI scan
You must not eat, drink, smoke, or chew for 6 hours prior to your exam time. Water and medications are okay.
Additional prep for PET/MRI with I.V. contrast
If you have impaired kidney function, are diabetic, or are 60 years of age or older, we will perform an i-STAT creatinine level at the time of your exam to assess your kidney function. It is important to inform us if you are taking the medication hydroxyurea when making your appointment. Keep hydrated before and after your exam.
Experience the Excellence at Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology
This new technology combines PET and MRI for exceptional image quality, more conclusive diagnosis, and lower radiation in a single exam. The powerful combination of molecular, functional and anatomic information provides essential data for critical treatment decisions.