When will I get the results from my oncologic PET CT scan?
After the oncologic PET CT scan is complete, a dual-trained and certified MIC nuclear medicine physician and radiologists will review the images and send a detailed report to your practitioner, usually within one to two business days.
PET CT Cost for Oncologic Applications
PET CT imaging used for oncology is not covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) when performed in community-based clinics outside the hospital. The cost depends on the exam protocol, radiotracer, area of interest (brain, head, neck, whole body, etc.), and whether an accompanying diagnostic CT is acquired simultaneously.
The starting price for an oncologic PET CT at MIC is $1,486.50.
| Imaging Application | Relevant Tracer | PET Cost (No Diagnostic CT) | Combined PET and Diagnostic CT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oncology | FDG | PET: $1,199.00 | PET CT: Starts at $1,486.50 |
| – | DOTATATE | PET: $3,999.00 | PET CT: Starts at $4,435.50 |
| – | PSMA | PET: $3,299.00 | PET CT: Starts at $3,586.50 |
Please note:
- If a combined PET and diagnostic CT is required, the CT component will be discounted by 50%, based on the area of interest (brain, head, neck, whole body, etc.).
- If a patient has had a recent diagnostic CT of the area of interest and images can be reviewed or uploaded at the time of the PET scan, they will only be billed for the PET examination.
- Our dual-trained radiologist and nuclear medicine physicians will protocol all requisitions to ensure an accurate price estimate.
Patients are encouraged to talk to their employer or a Benefits Specialist before booking their exam to see if they qualify for extended coverage. Some extended benefits programs or health spending accounts may cover a portion or possibly the entire exam fee.
Oncological PET CT FAQs
FDG uptake in an oncological PET-CT scan refers to the accumulation of FDG (Fluorodeoxyglucose) radiotracer within tissues or organs in the body. FDG is particularly helpful for visualizing metabolic activity in an area of interest.
High FDG uptake in an oncological PET CT scan may be indicative of an inflammatory process, cancer or abnormality. However, there is a misconception among patients that any level of uptake is abnormal – which is not always the case and can lead to unnecessary anxiety and concern.
High FDG uptake in an oncological PET CT scan may be indicative of an inflammatory process, cancer or abnormality. However, there is a misconception among patients that any level of uptake is abnormal – which is not always the case and can lead to unnecessary anxiety and concern.
Not with FDG as a tracer. Patients must avoid intense or strenuous exercise such as jogging, strength training, aerobics etc. before their appointment. Excessive muscle activity can interfere with the interpretation of your images.
Not with FDG as a tracer. Patients must avoid chewing gum before their appointment as it contains sugar and other additives that may impact imaging results.
Yes. If FDG is used as the tracer, we instruct patients to follow a high protein/low carb diet before their appointment. Following the proper diet helps our team capture the best possible images. We encourage patients to limit the amount of bread, pasta, potatoes, cereals, rice, desserts, candy and sugar eaten before their appointment.
Not when FDG is used as a tracer. Before their appointment, we instruct patients to avoid any medications containing sugar, such as cough syrup or cough drops.
Patients can drink as much plain water as they would like before their appointment. However, when FDG is used as the tracer, they cannot drink any flavoured beverages, such as Gatorade, that contain sugar.
No. Patients must not use medical or recreational cannabis for 72 hours before their exam.
It is also important that patients do not take opiates and other derivatives for 6 hours before their exam. Opiates include but are not limited to morphine, codeine, etc.
Lastly, patients must not take valium or benzodiazepines for 6 hours before their exam. Benzodiazepines are often prescribed to help treat conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. In general, if taken for claustrophobia, these medications can be taken towards the end of the uptake period (i.e. shortly before the scan) to help the individual complete the test, without negatively impacting radiotracer distribution. Our central booking team will review all preparation requirements when scheduling the appointment.
It is also important that patients do not take opiates and other derivatives for 6 hours before their exam. Opiates include but are not limited to morphine, codeine, etc.
Lastly, patients must not take valium or benzodiazepines for 6 hours before their exam. Benzodiazepines are often prescribed to help treat conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. In general, if taken for claustrophobia, these medications can be taken towards the end of the uptake period (i.e. shortly before the scan) to help the individual complete the test, without negatively impacting radiotracer distribution. Our central booking team will review all preparation requirements when scheduling the appointment.
Not when DOTATATE is used as the tracer. All short-acting somatostatin analogs (SSA's), such as Octreotide, used to reduce hormone production, should be discontinued for 12 hours before the appointment. Our central booking team will review specific exam preparations when scheduling the appointment.
Langer, A. (2010). A systematic review of PET and PET/CT in oncology: A way to personalize cancer treatment in a cost-effective manner? https://bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1472-6963-10-283
Markman, M. (2021). PET/CT scan for cancer. https://www.cancercenter.com/diagnosing-cancer/diagnostic-imaging/pet-ct-scan
Markman, M. (2021). PET/CT scan for cancer. https://www.cancercenter.com/diagnosing-cancer/diagnostic-imaging/pet-ct-scan