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University Imaging at Science Park
PET/CT and 3-Tesla MR Center

PET/CT FAQ

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Q: What is PET-CT?
A: A PET-CT scanner is a combined PET scanner and CT scanner with a single bed. The patient is scanned first with a reduced-dose non-contrast CT scan then with a PET scan. The patient stays in the same position during the two scans. Because the patient has not moved, the two sets of images are registered - allowing areas of increased glucose metabolism on the PET to be correlated to organs, masses and/or normal structures on the CT.

Q: What does a PET-CT look like?
A: See the images below.

Q: What is the difference between PET and PET-CT?
A: PET-CT is a way of doing PET, but with a bonus. PET-CT creates PET images just like traditional PET scans. In addition, PET-CT creates CT images that match locations with the PET scan. This precisely localized disease.

Q: Can I get a regular CT without a PET at the PET-CT Center?
A: Absolutely. The CT portion of the PET-CT is a 16-slice CT capable of advanced CT applications. A CT can be performed without a PET scan. Diagnostic CTs will be interpreted by the Radiologists of the University of Rochester.

Q: Where is University Imaging at Science Park (UISP)?
A: The UISP is a free-standing outpatient building located at 110 Science Parkway (off South Avenue), less than a mile from the University of Rochester Medical Center. See location.

Q: How do I schedule a PET or a PET/CT scan?
A: Call us at (585) 785-5000 or fax a requisition to us at (585) 756-2474 - University Imaging at Science Park.

Q: How do I schedule a CT scan?
A: Call us at (585) 785-5000 or fax a requisition to us at (585) 756-2474 - University Imaging at Science Park.

Q: How do I see the results of my patient's PET/CT on Stentor/Imagecast?
A: "Brief guide to viewing PET" will explain how you see the results.

Q: What is on the summary image (screen capture)?
A: "Screen Capture" will explain about the summary image.

Q: What are approved indications for PET scans?
A: The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will offer broad coverage of PET/CT for oncology in early 2006 (see news.cfm). Present CMS approval with some limitations are for the following indications:

Solitary Pulmonary Nodule Lesion characterization
Lung Cancer diagnosis, staging and restaging
Colorectal cancer diagnosis, staging and restaging
Lymphoma diagnosis, staging and restaging
Melanoma (but not for evaluation of regional nodes) diagnosis, staging and restaging
Head and Neck Cancer (excludes central nervous system or thyroid cancers) diagnosis, staging and restaging
Esophageal Cancer diagnosis, staging and restaging
Cervical Cancer diagnosis
Breast Cancer staging, restaging, and monitoring therapy
Thyroid Cancer restaging recurrent or residual follicular cancer, with conditions
Refractory Seizures: pre-surgical evaluation
Myocardial Viability: after inconclusive SPECT, initial assessment
Mild cognitive impairment, suspected Alzheimer's

Local insurance companies have similar but slightly different coverage. More indications are being added.

Q: I am interested in working at the University Imaging at Science Park. Who should I contact?
A: Employment is through the University of Rochester.

Q: I am interested in applying for grants using PET, PET/CT, CT or MR in my research. What should I do?
A: UISP is available for imaging patients from funded grants. Contact Dr. John Strang - 585-273-4445, John_Strang@urmc.rochester.edu.

Additional patient information about PET: http://www.radiologyinfo.org/content/petomography.htm

Additional patient information about CT: http://www.radiologyinfo.org/site map/modal-alias.cfm?modal=CT

Additional patient information about MRI: http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/sitemap/modal-alias.cfm?modal=MR

 

Procedures

CT
PET/CT
3T MRI
CT Angiography

Physicians

Almast, Jeevak
Chengazi, Vaseem
Deveikis, John
Dogra, Vikram
Dombroski, David
Ekholm, Sven
Fultz, Patrick
Ormanoski, Margaret
Sidhu, Ravinder
Strang, John
Voci, Susan
Wismuller, Axel