PET/CT Imaging

What is PET/CT?

Patients at Akumin have access to advanced Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT) technology in a single, seamless exam. A PET/CT scan combines these two imaging methods into one session, showing both the metabolic activity of cells and the precise anatomical location of abnormalities — giving physicians a more complete picture to guide care.

By performing PET and CT together, Akumin helps save patients time, avoids the need for multiple appointments, and delivers a more comprehensive and accurate diagnosis.

How PET/CT Works

• PET Scan: Uses a small amount of safe, radioactive tracer to highlight areas of increased cellular activity. Cancer cells absorb more of the tracer, which appear as bright spots on the scan.
• CT Scan: Produces detailed cross-sectional images of your body, revealing the size, shape, and location of suspicious areas.

When these images are combined, they create a single, highly detailed result that shows what is happening inside the body and exactly where it is happening, enabling more confident treatment decisions.

PET/CT for Cancer Care

PET/CT is one of the most important tools in oncology, and Akumin uses it to:

• Detect cancer at an early stage
• Distinguish between benign and malignant growths
• Pinpoint where cancer is located in the body
• Determine whether cancer has spread (staging)
• Monitor how well treatment is working
• Check for recurrence after treatment

PET/CT for Prostate Cancer

Akumin offers PSMA PET/CT, a major advance in imaging that targets a protein found on prostate cancer cells. This technology can:

• Detect prostate cancer that may not appear on conventional imaging
• Determine whether the disease has spread outside the prostate
• Guide treatment planning, including surgery, radiation therapy, or systemic therapy
• Monitor treatment response and check for recurrence

Other Conditions PET/CT Can Detect

Beyond oncology, PET/CT imaging is valuable for:

• Cardiology: Assessing blood flow, heart muscle health, and damage after a heart attack
• Neurology: Evaluating brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, and other neurological conditions

Benefits of PET/CT at Akumin

When patients choose Akumin for PET/CT imaging, they benefit from:

• Comprehensive Results: Functional and anatomical images in one scan
• Single Session Convenience: PET and CT performed together
• Minimally Invasive Testing: Only a small tracer injection is needed
• Reduced Need for Additional Testing: Fewer follow-up scans or biopsies
• Better Treatment Decisions: Detailed results that help physicians choose the best therapy

What to Expect During a PET/CT Exam

• Preparation: Patients may be asked to fast for several hours. The Akumin care team provides clear instructions before the scan.
• Tracer Injection: A small amount of radiotracer is injected, followed by a rest period while it circulates.
• The Scan: Patients lie on a comfortable table that moves through the scanner. The scan itself usually takes 30–60 minutes.
• After the Exam: Normal activities can be resumed, and patients are encouraged to drink water to help flush the tracer from the body.

Advanced Technology, Exceptional Care

Akumin uses the latest PET/CT technology to deliver high-resolution images and accurate results. This helps physicians detect disease earlier, plan treatment precisely, and monitor progress over time — all while prioritizing patient comfort and experience.