What Is a PET/CT Scan?

A PET/CT scan combines 2 different imaging technologies into a single examination. The PET component detects metabolic and biological activity within the body, while the CT component provides detailed anatomical images – showing exactly where structures are located. Together, they create a comprehensive picture that is far more informative than either scan alone.

Most imaging tests – such as X-ray, CT, and MRI – are primarily structural. They show what the body looks like. A PET/CT goes further by revealing how the body is actually working at a cellular level. This is particularly valuable in medicine because disease processes – including cancer, infection, and neurodegeneration – often cause changes in cellular activity well before any structural change becomes visible.

How Does It Work?

Before your scan, you will receive a small injection of a radioactive tracer – a molecule that is naturally taken up by active cells in the body. The specific tracer used depends on what your doctor is investigating. The most common tracer is FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose), a radioactive form of glucose, which is taken up wherever the body is metabolically active. Other tracers – such as PSMA, DOTATATE, and Amyloid tracers – are designed to target specific cell types or proteins associated with particular diseases.

Once the tracer has circulated, the PET scanner detects its distribution throughout the body and the CT scanner captures the anatomical detail. A specialist Nuclear Medicine Physician then analyses both sets of images together to produce a comprehensive report for your doctor.

How Is PET/CT Different From Other Imaging?

Unlike X-ray, CT, or MRI – which are primarily structural scans that show what the body looks like – PET/CT reveals how the body is functioning at a cellular level. This means disease can often be detected earlier, before structural changes are apparent. The targeted nature of PET tracers also means the scan can be tailored to the specific condition being investigated, whether that is cancer metabolism, prostate cancer spread, neuroendocrine tumour receptors, or amyloid plaques in the brain.

The combination of functional and anatomical imaging in a single examination also means your treating team receives more complete information from 1 appointment, reducing the need for multiple separate tests.

Is a PET/CT Scan Safe?

Yes. PET/CT scans are considered safe and are performed routinely worldwide. The radioactive tracer you receive contains a very small amount of radioactivity that diminishes rapidly – half of the administered dose leaves the body in 2 hours or less. Side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headache or allergy reactions are very uncommon and generally mild.

The CT component involves a small dose of X-ray radiation, which is carefully managed through low dose protocols. Jones Radiology uses advanced technologies, such as the GE OMNI 32 digital PET/CT scanner – the first of its kind in South Australia – which enables superior image quality at a lower radiation dose. Your dose is individually calculated based on body weight to ensure a precise and personalised amount every time.

The radiation dose from the entire PET/CT procedure is equivalent to similar diagnostic tests, such as a contrast enhanced CT of a similar body region. There are no restrictions around being near other people or children after you leave our department.

It is important to tell staff if there is any chance you may be pregnant, or breastfeeding, before booking your appointment. Precautions will need to be taken for breastfeeding women, and these will be discussed with you before booking.

What Happens During a PET/CT Scan?

While the specifics vary depending on the type of scan, the general process is similar across all PET/CT examinations:

• On arrival, a technologist will take you through a brief questionnaire about your health and current condition. This information helps the Nuclear Medicine Physician to correctly interpret your scan.
• A small cannula (plastic tube) is placed into a vein in your arm. This is used to administer the tracer injection and, where required, CT contrast.
• You will be settled into your own private uptake room, equipped with a recliner chair and television, while the tracer circulates through your body. This uptake period is typically around 1 hour.
• The scan itself takes between 10 and 30 minutes depending on the type of scan and the area being covered.
• The scanner is open and well-lit. It is quieter than an MRI and has no special instructions like a CT scan. Most patients remain fully clothed throughout, with only large metal items needing to be removed.

Our PET/CT Services

Jones Radiology offers the following PET/CT imaging services across South Australia. Each service has its own dedicated page with detailed information about the scan, its clinical applications, and how to prepare:

• FDG PET/CT – diagnosis, staging, and monitoring of cancer and other conditions
• Prostate Cancer Imaging – PSMA PET/CT
• Neurodegenerative Imaging – FDG Brain PET/CT and Amyloid PET/CT for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
• Neuroendocrine Tumour Imaging – DOTA PET/CT
• Research Imaging and Theranostics

Where Are We Located?

PET/CT services are available across 3 Jones Radiology sites in South Australia:

• Tennyson Centre – Kurralta Park (GE OMNI 32 digital PET/CT). On-site parking available.
  • FDG, PSMA, DOTA
• SAHMRI – Clinical and Research Imaging Centre/CRIC (Siemens Biograph mCT). Parking available at the Convention Centre.
  • FDG, Neurodegenerative (FDG + Amyloid), Research & Theranostics
• Southern Specialist Centre – Morphett Vale (Siemens Biograph Horizon). On-site parking available.
  • FDG, Neurodegenerative (FDG only), PSMA