Installed in September of 2003, McLeod is proud to offer the first and only fixed based PET unit in the Pee Dee. PET is a noninvasive procedure that provides biochemical and physiologic information about disease. PET holds many clinical applications in oncology, neurology, and cardiology. The Phillips Allegro PET scanner at McLeod Regional Medical Center maximizes both patient comfort and image quality, promoting productivity and diagnostic accuracy. The Allegro's advanced DICOM connectivity software allows connections with MRI and CT for image fusion, and can aid in a patient's radiation therapy planning process. With the speed and versatility of the scanner, McLeod can offer same and next day scheduling. McLeod also participates in the National Oncologic PET Registry, which expands Medicare's coverage of PET imaging.

What is PET?

PET (Positron Emission Tomography) is a noninvasive procedure that helps physicians in their diagnosis and treatment of certain diseases. Biochemical changes are detected by PET scan after a compound that contains radioactive molecules is injected into the body. These molecules allow the measurement of metabolic activity within the body. A computer records this information and converts it into pictures for diagnostic purposes.

HOW Long Does It Take and Does It Hurt?

You should plan on being in the PET Department for up to three hours. The scan itself, in most cases will be about 40 minutes. The scan causes no pain.

What Is Being Injected For The Scan?

A very small amount of radioactive labeled glucose is injected. The amount of radiation you will receive is about the same as any other radiology procedure (CT scans or Nuclear Medicine procedures). You should not feel any side effects from the material. Most of the radioactivity will be gone by the time you leave the department.

How Do I Prepare For The Exam?

Do not eat for 6 hours prior to your appointment. Refrain from exercising 24 hours prior to your scan.

Medications

You will be asked what medications you take when you schedule your appointment. You will be provided further instructions at that time. If you feel you will need sedation or are a diabetic, contact the McLeod PET Department at (843) 777-4738 for further instructions prior to your scheduled appointment.

What Will Happen After the Scan?

It is important that you drink as much as possible for the rest of the day and empty your bladder as often as possible. This will result in a more rapid clearance of the radioactivity from your body. You can drive and resume normal activities immediately after leaving the department, unless you received sedation.

Location: PET Scans are performed in the McLeod Plaza, First Floor, 800 East Cheves St., Florence.