A Dotatate Pet Scan, also known as a PET-CT with dotatate, is an advanced imaging procedure utilizing a radiotracer to detect neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) within your body. Your healthcare provider may schedule this scan for several key reasons:
- To identify the presence of cancer cells.
- To effectively plan your cancer treatment strategy.
- To monitor the success and effectiveness of your ongoing cancer treatment.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to prepare for and undergo a dotatate pet scan, ensuring you feel informed and comfortable throughout the process.
Oral Contrast: What to Expect
In some instances, you might be asked to consume oral contrast prior to your dotatate pet scan. This contrast is a liquid dye designed to enhance the clarity of images, particularly of your colon. Upon arrival for your appointment, you will be asked about any allergies to iodinated contrast (contrast containing iodine). If you have an iodine allergy, a barium-based contrast may be provided as a safe alternative. Rest assured, both types of oral contrasts are safe for individuals with diabetes and function similarly to improve image quality.
Preparing for Your Dotatate Pet Scan
Proper preparation is crucial for ensuring the accuracy and success of your dotatate pet scan. Please adhere to the following guidelines before your scheduled appointment:
- Hydration is Key: Two hours before your scan, drink between 32 and 64 ounces of water. This helps with image clarity and the elimination of the radiotracer after the scan.
- Octreotide Therapy: If you are currently receiving octreotide therapy, it is imperative to consult with your physician regarding any necessary adjustments to your medication schedule before the PET scan.
- Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) Users: Please note that if you use a continuous glucose monitor, it will need to be removed for the duration of the exam. Plan accordingly for managing your glucose levels during this period.
- Anxiety and Claustrophobia: If you experience anxiety or claustrophobia, it’s important to discuss these concerns with your referring physician. They may prescribe an anti-anxiety medication to take on the day of your appointment. Please understand that the imaging center cannot prescribe or administer such medication.
Alt text: A modern PET-CT scanner machine ready for a dotatate pet scan procedure in a hospital radiology department.
What Happens on the Day of Your Dotatate Pet Scan
Your dotatate pet scan appointment will involve both a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan and a CT (Computed Tomography) scan performed concurrently. The CT scan is a rapid sequence of X-ray images that, when combined with the PET scan, provide detailed pictures of your soft tissues and bones.
- Check-In Procedures: For a streamlined experience, check in for your appointment through the Connect patient portal. Alternatively, you can check in upon arrival at the imaging center.
- Attire for Your Appointment: Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing to your appointment. It is advisable to leave jewelry and valuables at home. Avoid wearing clothing that contains metal components such as hooks, buckles, or wires, as these can interfere with the scan.
- Procedure Explanation: Upon arrival, a healthcare professional will thoroughly explain the dotatate pet scan procedure and address any questions or concerns you may have.
- Radiotracer Administration: You will receive the dotatate radiotracer through an intravenous (IV) line inserted into your arm. This radiotracer is essential for highlighting NETs during the scan.
- Waiting Period: After the radiotracer injection, you will be asked to wait in a designated room for approximately 40 minutes. During this time, you can relax, sleep, listen to music, or watch videos on your personal devices. This waiting period allows the radiotracer to distribute throughout your body and be absorbed by any NET cells.
- The Scanning Process: Next, you will be guided to lie on a narrow, padded table that slides into the PET-CT scanner. The medical technologist will operate the scanner from an adjacent room but will be able to see, hear, and communicate with you at all times throughout the scan.
- Staying Still During the Scan: It is crucial to remain very still throughout the scan, as any movement can blur the images and affect the accuracy of the results.
- Scan Duration: The actual scanning process will take approximately 30 minutes. Plan for the entire appointment, including preparation and waiting time, to last around two hours.
After Your Dotatate Pet Scan: What to Expect
Following your dotatate pet scan, most individuals can resume their normal daily activities immediately. A minimal amount of the radiotracer will remain in your system, and it will naturally be eliminated from your body over time. To assist in flushing out the remaining tracer, it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids, especially water, after your scan.
Understanding the Risks Associated with a Dotatate Pet Scan
It’s important to understand that a dotatate pet scan is a diagnostic tool and not a therapeutic procedure. Radiotracers have been safely used in medical diagnostics for over 50 years, and there are no known long-term adverse effects associated with these procedures. Allergic reactions to the radiotracer are rare, but medical personnel are prepared to manage any such reactions should they occur. The benefits of accurate diagnosis from a dotatate pet scan far outweigh the minimal risks.
Receiving Your Dotatate Pet Scan Results
A board-certified radiologist will meticulously review your dotatate pet scan images, comparing them with any prior imaging studies. They will then compile a comprehensive report detailing their findings. This report will be promptly shared with the physician who ordered your exam. Your referring physician will then discuss the results with you, explaining the findings and outlining any necessary next steps in your care.
Accessing Your Dotatate Pet Scan Images Online
For convenient access to your scan images, you can view, download, or share your exams through your secure Connect patient portal. Once logged in, simply select “View Radiology Images” from the menu. This will open a new browser window displaying a list of your imaging exams, allowing you to easily access and manage your records.
Questions or Concerns About Your Dotatate Pet Scan?
If you have any questions or concerns before your dotatate pet scan, please do not hesitate to contact us directly at 212-342-2899. Our dedicated team is here to provide you with the information and support you need to feel confident and prepared for your procedure.
