A PSMA PET/CT scan is a highly sensitive scan used to detect prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. It combines results of two scans – CT scan and a PSMA PET scan – into one image.

• A CT scan uses x-rays taken in different directions to make a 3D image of the body. CT stands for ‘computerised tomography’.
• A PSMA PET scan uses radioactive dye to light up areas in the body that may have prostate cancer cells. PSMA stands for ‘prostate-specific membrane antigen’, a protein found in prostate cancer cells.

PSMA PET/CT scans can pick up very small cancers that other types of scans may miss.

There are no significant risks of a PET CT. Some patient may experience headache, taste changes or fatigue but they are generally short lived.

Before your scan, make sure you drink at no more than one litre of water and have consumed just a light meal. Wear loose, comfortable clothing, as you will need to change into a gown.

Your specialist will give you more specific instructions about how to prepare.

Here’s what to expect on the day of your scan:

• When you arrive, you will be seen by a nuclear medicine specialist.
• Your weight will be recorded, and a cannula (plastic needle) will be inserted into a vein in your arm, for a later injection of the tracer that will be injected during the scan. This is a radioactive fluid that will allow any tumours to appear on the PET scan.
• The nuclear medicine specialist will take your medical history, explain the examination process and answer any questions you may have.
• You will need to change into a gown and remove all metal objects, such as jewellery or watches.
• You’ll then be shown into an uptake room, where you will lay down and rest for 45 minutes.
• During the 45-minute rest time, you will be given approximately 600 ml of fluid to drink before your scan. This liquid is called an ‘oral contrast’ and it allows the stomach, intestines and bowel to show up more clearly on the scan.
• You will then go to the scanning room and lie down on the PET/CT scanner bed. You will need to lie on your back with your arms raised above your head.
• The bed will move slowly through a large, circular scanner as it captures the images. The scan itself takes approximately 30 minutes.
• Patients should allow 2-2.5 hours for the scan, including admission, preparation, protocol and scan and then being monitored briefly prior to discharge.