PET is an abbreviation for Positron Emission Tomography and is performed in the Nuclear Medicine department. It involves the use of a radioactive substance called F18-FDG (Fluorodeoxyglucose) which traces metabolic activity.

F18-FDG is produced in a cyclotron in Pretoria on the morning of the examination and is despatched at 3.30 am to the airport. It arrives in Durban at about 7.00 am and is brought by a courier service to Westridge.

CT is an abbreviation for Computerised Tomography and involves the use of X-rays which are produced in the scanner and provides anatomical information. The PET/CT scan is a Nuclear Medicine examination with the added benefit of CT. This helps us to accurately locate the abnormal areas of FDG uptake.

NB: Patients Must Bring Old X-Rays and scans for all procedures!