Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is used to demonstrate the metabolic activity of organs and other tissues such as tumours. A radioactive compound called 18FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose) is injected into the patient and the radioactive emissions are measured by a PET/CT scanner. PET is considered particularly effective in identifying whether certain types of cancers are present, if they have spread and if the patient is responding to treatment.
At this time, the Christchurch Hospital Nuclear Medicine Department does not have a PET facility. All patient referrals through the public hospital system are sent to Christchurch Radiology Group's PET/CT scanning facility, located at:
Southern Cross Radiology
129 Bealey Ave
Christchurch
www.christchurchradiology.co.nz/pet-scans
PET/CT scan reports and images are available on the CRG & CDHB PACS; reports are also available on éclair & CIS.