PET/CT Imaging at Affinity Medical Imaging

Precision Imaging. Compassionate Care. Better Health Together

Nau mai, haere mai ki Affinity Medical Imaging.

At Affinity Medical Imaging, we provide advanced PET/CT imaging to help diagnose, stage and monitor a wide range of health conditions. Our highly skilled team combines leading-edge technology with compassionate, patient-centred care to deliver accurate diagnostic information in a welcoming and supportive environment.

We understand that having a PET/CT scan can feel unfamiliar or overwhelming. From the moment you arrive, our team is committed to ensuring you feel informed, comfortable and cared for every step of the way. We welcome patients, whānau and referring clinicians from across Aotearoa New Zealand and are dedicated to providing culturally safe, respectful healthcare for everyone.

What is a PET/CT Scan?

PET/CT combines two powerful imaging technologies into a single examination, allowing doctors to see both the structure and function of tissues within your body.

PET (Positron Emission Tomography)

PET imaging uses a very small amount of a radioactive tracer (radiopharmaceutical) to measure biological activity within tissues and organs. It can identify areas of increased or abnormal activity that may not yet be visible on other imaging tests.

CT (Computed Tomography)

CT imaging uses advanced X-ray technology to create detailed cross-sectional images of bones, organs, blood vessels and soft tissues

By combining PET and CT images, specialists can obtain a comprehensive picture that helps achieve earlier diagnosis, more accurate treatment planning and improved monitoring of disease.

Why Might I Need a PET/CT Scan?

PET/CT imaging plays an important role in diagnosing and monitoring many conditions, including:

Cancer

· Initial diagnosis

· Disease staging

· Treatment response assessment

· Detection of recurrence

· Radiation therapy planning

Infection and Inflammatory Conditions

· Sarcoidosis

· Chronic infection

· Inflammatory diseases


Neurological Conditions

· Epilepsy

· Dementia

· Selected neurological disorders


Skeletal Conditions

· Evaluation of bone abnormalities

· Detection of metastatic bone disease

· Assessment of unexplained bone pain or injury

Your PET/CT Journey

Before Your Scan

Our team will provide personalised instructions based on the type of PET/CT scan you are having. Careful preparation helps ensure the highest quality images and most accurate results.

For most PET/CT examinations, you will be asked to:

· Fast for at least six hours before your appointment

· Drink plenty of plain water

· Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours prior to your scan

· Continue taking most prescribed medications

· Advise us if you have diabetes

· Let us know if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or think you may be pregnant

· Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to complete registration and screening forms

If you have any concerns about claustrophobia, mobility, language support or special requirements, please speak with our team before your appointment so we can support you appropriately.

What Happens During My Appointment?

  • When you arrive, one of our experienced PET/CT team members will explain the procedure, answer any questions and ensure you feel comfortable before proceeding. You are welcome to have a support person present during this discussion.

    You will then be escorted to a private preparation room where:

    · A small intravenous cannula will be inserted into a vein, usually in your arm

    · The tracer will be administered

    · You will rest comfortably while the tracer circulates through your body

  • After your injection, you will relax in a comfortable room for approximately 60 minutes. During this time, it is important to remain as relaxed as possible to help achieve the best image quality.

  • The scan itself is painless.

    You will lie on a padded scanning table that moves slowly through the scanner while images are acquired. Depending on the examination, the scanning portion typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes. Our staff can see, hear and communicate with you throughout the procedure.

How Long Will My Appointment Take?

Most PET/CT appointments take approximately 2 to 3 hours, including preparation, tracer uptake time and scanning.

After Your Scan

Most patients can return to their usual daily activities immediately following their examination. Side effects are extremely uncommon.

To help clear the tracer and any CT contrast from your body, we recommend that you:

· Drink plenty of fluids

· Empty your bladder regularly

· Continue normal activities unless advised otherwise

For approximately two hours after your scan, we suggest minimising prolonged close contact with pregnant people, babies and small children where practical.

Safety and Radiation

PET/CT is a safe and widely used imaging procedure. The amount of radiation used is carefully controlled and kept as low as reasonably achievable while still obtaining high-quality diagnostic images. The clinical benefits of accurate diagnosis and treatment planning generally far outweigh the small risks associated with radiation exposure.

Some scans require CT contrast (x-ray dye). If contrast is required, we will review any history of allergies, reactions or relevant medical conditions prior to your examination.

Pregnancy

PET/CT examinations are usually deferred during pregnancy unless the expected clinical benefit outweighs the potential risk to the developing baby.

Please tell our team if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

Breastfeeding

Specific instructions may apply if you are breastfeeding. In many cases, temporary interruption of breastfeeding is recommended following injection of the tracer. Our team will provide personalised advice relevant to your scan.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

PET/CT Services Available

  • Used for cancer imaging, infection, inflammation, cardiac assessment and selected neurological conditions.

  • Highly sensitive imaging used in the diagnosis, staging and monitoring of prostate cancer.

  • Advanced imaging for the detection and management of brain tumours.

  • Detailed assessment of benign and malignant skeletal disease.

  • Specialised imaging for neuroendocrine tumours and other somatostatin receptor-positive conditions.

Results

Your scan will be reviewed by a specialist Nuclear Medicine Physician or Radiologist. A comprehensive report is sent directly to your referring healthcare provider, who will discuss the results and next steps with you. Reports are prioritised according to clinical urgency and are sent to your referring clinician as soon as possible.

At Affinity Medical Imaging, we recognise that healthcare is about more than medical treatment alone. We are committed to providing care that respects personal and cultural identity, values and wellbeing.

Our team will make every effort to support your preferences in a respectful, safe and inclusive environment.

Supporting Personal, Cultural and Whānau Needs