A CT scan shows the size, shape and position of organs and tissues. PET shows how they are functioning. Combined in a single examination, they give a more complete picture than either does alone, showing both what is happening and exactly where.

-Avoid intense physical activity and exposure to cold before the scan.

-Follow a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet for 24 hours before the scan.

-Do not eat for 6 hours before the scan. Drink only water, ideally about 1 litre in the 2 hours before.

-Avoid chewing gum and smoking, including electronic cigarettes.

-If you have diabetes, consult your doctor about your blood sugar management. The scan may need to be rescheduled if your blood glucose is above 200 mg/dL or below 70 mg/dL.

-Bring your medical records, any previous scans on CD and your doctor's referral.

-Women of childbearing age will need to provide a recent negative pregnancy test.

-If you are breastfeeding, express and store breast milk a few days before the scan, to use afterwards.

-Please contact us in advance if you weigh over 200 kg, need help with mobility, or will be in contact with vulnerable people after the scan.

Your visit takes about 2 hours in total. Please arrive 30 minutes early for preparation and be on time, as the tracer loses its activity quickly. Only patients are allowed in the examination area, so pregnant women and children cannot accompany you inside. Wear clothing without metal and avoid jewellery. Your height, weight and blood sugar are measured before the scan.

A small amount of a tracer (18F-FDG), a substance that makes active tissues visible on the scan, is injected into a vein. The quantity is very small and causes no side effects. You then rest quietly for 45 to 60 minutes while the tracer is absorbed, and empty your bladder just before the scan. The scan itself takes about 15 minutes, and the technologists monitor you throughout. If you feel anxious, a sedative may be offered with your consent.

There are no dietary restrictions after the scan. If you received a sedative, you must not drive. For radiation protection:

- Avoid close contact with children and pregnant women for 8 hours after the injection, keeping a distance of about 2 metres.

- Travel home in a private vehicle and do not return to work on the day of the scan.

- Keep drinking fluids for 24 hours to help clear the tracer.

- If you are breastfeeding, limit contact with your baby for 12 hours, and express and discard breast milk for 12 to 24 hours.

- Tell the team if you are flying or travelling abroad within 24 hours, as traces of the tracer may still be detectable.

PET/CT uses a minimal dose of radiation, and advanced scanning technology reduces the dose while preserving image quality. Preparation and scanning follow the guidelines of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI), the European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM) and the American College of Radiology (ACR).

The PET and CT images are combined and reviewed by specialists. Results are ready within 2 working days, including a written report, the images and a CD. Reports can be translated into English on request.

CT brain, CT brain with contrast, CT facial bones, CT paranasal sinuses, CT orbits, CT temporal bones, CT neck

High-resolution CT (HRCT) chest, CT chest with contrast, low-dose CT lung screening

CT abdomen, CT pelvis, CT abdomen and pelvis, CT liver, CT pancreas, CT adrenal glands, CT kidneys, CT urography and low-dose CT urography

CT shoulder, CT elbow, CT wrist, CT hip, CT knee, CT ankle

CT cervical spine, CT thoracic spine, CT lumbar spine

CT angiography of the brain, carotids, chest, aorta and lower limbs; CT pulmonary angiography; CT venography of the brain, chest, abdomen, pelvis and upper and lower limbs

An intravenous contrast injection shows blood flow through the arteries and veins, producing three-dimensional images that can also support surgical planning. Unlike catheter angiography, it requires no hospital stay, and patients can return to normal activities immediately afterwards.

CT coronary angiography, CT calcium scoring

CT coronary angiography: Shows whether fat or calcium deposits (plaque) have narrowed the coronary arteries, using an intravenous contrast injection. Your physician, in consultation with a radiologist, will determine whether the examination is appropriate for you.

CT calcium scoring: Measures calcium build-up in the coronary arteries, a marker of coronary artery disease. The result is expressed as a score: the lower the score, the lower the risk. It can detect coronary artery disease at an early stage, before symptoms appear.

CT colonography, CT enterography

CT colonography: Examines the large bowel (colon) without inserting a colonoscope, to detect polyps and cancers. It does not replace optical colonoscopy, but may be recommended when additional imaging is needed, when colonoscopy cannot be tolerated, or when the colon is narrowed or obstructed.

Intravenous contrast: Some examinations use a contrast solution injected into a vein to show blood vessels and tissues more clearly. A warm or flushed sensation lasting one to two minutes is normal. The contrast is filtered by the kidneys and passed naturally, and you can drive home afterwards.