PET/CT is a hybrid imaging system that combines the precise diagnostic functionality of assessing physiological functions (PET) with the anatomical assessment of various organs (CT). This combination with the scanner’s leading-edge digital PET detectors and quicker processing power, mean that image quality is enhanced and that diseases are detected with higher sensitivity (earlier) and specificity (more accurate).

“This is truly the only one of its kind in the hospital,” says Henry Sinn, Sunnybrook’s medical imaging director, who adds that there are just a handful of PET/CT scanners throughout the province. “It allows us to expand our imaging capacity at Sunnybrook, and patients are getting better service because the scanning is much faster.”

While this new scanner has and will continue to lead to exciting improvements, acquiring this equipment and creating the significant infrastructure needed to house it was no easy task.

Strong support and collaboration by Cancer Care Ontario (CCO), Sunnybrook senior leadership, corporate planning & development, and the flexibility from the medical imaging and oncology teams, were all needed before this new PET/CT scanner could call Sunnybrook home.

“We had to do a lot of re-configurations of existing space and functions, meaning we had to move people and services. It was a very complex project,” says Henry. But through thoughtful design, careful phasing, strong teamwork and dedication, he says, “We came out successful.”

This collaborative achievement is expected to have widespread and innovational impacts because, unlike older, similar scanners whose applications are solely in oncology, this new scanner can also be used for cardiac, neurological and research purposes.

Knowing the work that went in to acquiring the PET/CT scanner and knowing that it will help Team Sunnybrook invent the future of health care, Henry says, “It is a milestone investment well aligned with Sunnybrook’s strategic directions, particularly in precise and personalized treatments. It feels very good.”

The post Sunnybrook acquires new scanner that will expand imaging capacity and innovation appeared first on Your Health Matters.

First step: confirm your appointment. Then, make sure you don’t eat for 3 hours before your scan. The good news is, you can drink as many clear fluids as you want! In fact, before your scan, you’ll most likely be asked to drink a cup of water infused with a special contrast agent. Basically, that’s a dye that will make your inner organs easier to see. And drinking plenty of fluids before and after your scan will help that dye work its way out of your system.

It’s important to also leave yourself lots of time. Besides traffic and parking delays, you may also need additional blood work before you scan is done. That might delay things by 90 minutes, so make sure you have plenty of coin in the parking meter! It may seem like a pain, but the results from the blood work will help the technologist figure out which dye is safest for your body.

After that, it’s off to the change room and in to the infamous hospital gown. Some people may also require an IV if it’s determined that they need a special kind of dye. Now here’s the weird part: you will get a metallic taste in your mouth, and will feel like you’ve just urinated. You haven’t, and this is completely normal. These sensations also pass quickly.

When you scan is done, it’s a good idea to sit for a few minutes to make sure you are OK. After that, drink plenty of clear fluids and eat what you like. Donut anyone?

The post How to prepare for a CT scan appeared first on Your Health Matters.