PET/CT

PET/CT scans at Icon

At Icon, our PET/CT service supports the diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring of a wide range of cancers and other conditions. Positron Emission Tomography–Computed Tomography (PET/CT) is an advanced imaging test that combines two scans in one:

PET – shows how your tissues and organs are functioning
CT – provides detailed images of your anatomy

Together, they give a clear picture of what is happening inside your body at a molecular and structural level, helping doctors detect disease, stage cancer, assess the brain, evaluate inflammation, and monitor how well treatment is working.

How it works

A small amount of a radioactive tracer is injected into your bloodstream. The type of tracer used depends on your condition:

FDG tracers – for a wide range of cancers, including endocrine tumours
PSMA tracers – for detecting and monitoring prostate cancer
Specialised FDG protocols – used to improve image clarity in areas in specific conditions or regions

The PET scan highlights areas of unusual cellular activity, while the CT scan pinpoints their exact location, giving your clinicians a highly detailed view to guide care.

What to expect

Arrival and preparation – We'll review your medical history, check your blood glucose (if required), and explain the procedure
Tracer injection – A small IV cannula will be placed in your arm, and the tracer will be injected
Rest period – You’ll rest quietly in a dim room while the tracer spreads through your body
The scan – You’ll lie on a bed that moves through the scanner. A low dose CT scan is performed first to provide anatomical information, followed by the PET scan. It’s important to stay still
Contrast (if required) – Some scans may require a second injection of CT contrast
After the scan – You may be asked to wait while images are checked

The average scan takes 10 minutes, with your full appointment lasting up to two hours.

The radioactive tracer is quickly broken down and leaves your body naturally, usually within 24 hours. You can generally return to normal activities straight away, unless advised otherwise.

Types of PET/CT scans

PET/CT is offered at a wide range of Icon Cancer Centres across Australia. See below for an introduction to the most common types of PET/CT scans and what each one is designed to assess, so you can feel informed and prepared before your appointment.

PET/CT FDG - Oncology
In Australia, the most common tracer is FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose). PET/CT FDG oncology scans are widely used to detect, stage and monitor cancer.
FDG imaging can help distinguish benign from malignant lesions, locate tumours, determine the extent of disease, assess how well treatment is working, detect signs of recurrence and support radiotherapy planning. The images produced by a PET/CT scanner show both the location and the intensity of disease activity, giving clinicians a comprehensive whole-body view for assessment.
PET/CT FDG - Brain
A PET/CT FDG brain scan shows how the brain uses glucose, helping identify areas of reduced or increased activity. It is commonly used to assess dementia, epilepsy, movement disorders and some tumours, often alongside MRI for a fuller picture of brain function.
PET/CT FDG - Cardiac sarcoidosis
A PET/CT FDG cardiac sarcoidosis scan looks for inflammation in the heart caused by sarcoidosis. It helps guide diagnosis and monitor response to treatment.
PET/CT PSMA - Prostate cancer
A PET PSMA scan uses a tracer that binds to prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA). It helps detect prostate cancer and shows whether it has spread to lymph nodes, bones or other areas.

Preparing for your PET/CT scan

Your preparation instructions will vary depending on the type of scan and tracer used.

- Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours prior to your appointment
- Follow a special diet the day before your scan
- Do not eat or drink anything except plain water for six hours before the scan
- Stay well-hydrated with plain unflavoured water, including 2-4 glasses (500-1000 mL) of plain water in the 2 hours before your appointment
- Stay warm before your appointment, as cold environments can affect scan results
- Take necessary medications with plain, unflavoured water
- Refer to the detailed instructions provided to you by your clinician.
- Avoid vigorous exercise for 24 hours before your scan
- Eat normally - no special diet is required
- Take necessary medications
- Drink 2–4 glasses (500–1000 mL) of plain water in the 2 hours before your scan
- Follow the detailed instructions provided by your clinician.
- Continue to follow the dietary and hydration instructions provided to you by your clinician
- Continue taking medications unless advised otherwise
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal (such as zippers, belts, or underwire bras)
- Leave jewellery and valuables at home
- Bring your Referral, Medicare, Concession or DVA Card and any previous related scans with you to your appointment
- You may be asked to change into a gown for your scan.
Please let us know if you:
- are pregnant or think you might be
- are breastfeeding
- have diabetes, asthma, kidney disease, or severe claustrophobia
- have had an adverse reaction to contrast injections
- have allergies
- are taking medications

Why choose Icon for PET/CT?

At Icon, we combine advanced PET/CT technology with the expertise of nuclear medicine physicians and radiation oncologists who focus on cancer imaging.

We’re here to:

Provide imaging based on international evidence and best practice
Deliver safe, precise, and personalised care
Work closely with your care team to ensure a coordinated approach

Become a patient

Frequently asked questions

Our PET/CT can be used to detect and diagnose many disorders, including cancer. The scan is effective in helping to plan treatment for surgery and radiotherapy and monitoring the response.
In some cases, PET/CT is also used for other conditions, including certain neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s, when clinically appropriate.
Unlike CT or MRI scans, which mainly show structural changes, PET/CT shows both structure and function. This means it can detect cellular changes early, sometimes before anatomical changes become visible on other imaging tests.
PET/CT uses only a small amount of radiation when compared with other imaging tests. The radioactive tracer is quickly broken down and leaves your body naturally, usually within 24 hours. The scan is considered safe, and the diagnostic benefits greatly outweigh any potential risks.
The tracer is a small amount of radioactive material that helps highlight areas of abnormal activity in your body. The PET scanner detects this activity, allowing doctors to see how your tissues and organs are functioning.
Most commonly, the tracer is administered through a small injection into a vein.
The tracer is safe, uses only a tiny amount of radioactivity, and naturally leaves your body within about 24 hours.
Preparation depends on the type of tracer used. For FDG scans, you may need to follow a special diet and fast for several hours before your appointment. For PSMA scans, you can eat and drink as usual. Our team will provide specific instructions when you schedule your appointment.
No, the scan itself is painless. The only minor discomfort is the insertion of the IV cannula for the tracer injection. If CT contrast is also used, you might feel a warm flush or metallic taste for a few seconds - this is normal.
Side effects are extremely rare. The tracer leaves your body naturally, and you can resume your normal activities after the scan. If you are breastfeeding, you will be asked to express and bottle-feed for a short time to minimise radiation exposure to your baby.
Your images will be reviewed by our nuclear medicine specialists and radiation oncologists, who prepare a detailed report for your referring doctor. Your doctor will discuss the results with you at your follow-up appointment.
For safety reasons, children cannot enter the scan room, and there is no supervision available in the waiting area. Please arrange childcare or bring another adult to assist if needed.
Your PET/CT will be performed by a qualified nuclear medicine specialist, with images reviewed by nuclear medicine specialists and subspecialist radiation oncologists. Our team is here to ensure you feel informed, comfortable, and supported throughout your appointment.