Our services
PET/CT Scan
At South Coast Radiology, we are proud to be the largest provider of PET/CT imaging on the Gold Coast, offering advanced technology and expert diagnostic care to patients and their doctors.
PET/CT combines two powerful imaging techniques, Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT), into a single scan that provides both functional and anatomical information.
This highly specialised test helps doctors detect cancer, monitor treatment response, and assess organ function with remarkable precision all in one visit.
All eligible PET/CT scans are bulk billed for patients who meet Medicare criteria.
What is a PET/CT Scan?
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) measures the body’s metabolic or biochemical activity, while CT provides detailed images of its internal structures.
By combining both, PET/CT gives a complete picture of how your body is functioning, highlighting where disease is located and how active it is.
The most common radiopharmaceutical used is FDG (Fluorodeoxyglucose), a glucose-based tracer that highlights areas of increased metabolic activity, such as cancer cells.
In some cases, other specialised tracers (such as PSMA for prostate cancer or Amyloid for neurological disease) may be used.
Why might I need a PET/CT scan?
PET/CT plays a vital role in modern cancer management and other complex medical assessments.
Your doctor may refer you for a PET/CT scan to:
- Detect and stage cancer
- Monitor response to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery
- Detect recurrence or spread (metastasis) of known cancers
- Evaluate inflammation or infection
- Assess neurological or cardiac conditions (such as Alzheimer’s or myocardial viability studies)
- Guide treatment planning and biopsy decisions
About Your Test
Before your appointment
Our team will provide detailed preparation instructions when you book your appointment.
Please let our staff know if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or diabetic. Diabetic patients may receive specific instructions with our staff when booking.
Your preparation depends on the tracer used, but typically involves:
- Fasting for 6 hours before your scan (water only).
- Avoiding strenuous exercise 24 hours prior.
- Wearing warm, comfortable clothing without metal zippers or buttons.
- Bringing your referral, Medicare card, and previous imaging for comparison.
On the day
- Tracer injection – You’ll receive a small injection of a radioactive tracer (usually FDG) into a vein in your arm.
- Rest period – You’ll rest quietly for around 45–60 minutes while the tracer circulates and is absorbed by your body.
- Imaging – You’ll then lie on the PET/CT table while the scanner moves slowly over your body, taking a series of images.
- The scan is painless, quiet, and typically takes 20–30 minutes.
- You’ll need to stay still to ensure clear, accurate images.
- Throughout the process, our technologists ensure your comfort and explain every step clearly.
After your appointment
- You can usually go home or return to normal activities immediately after your appointment.
- Drink plenty of water to help flush the tracer from your system.
- Avoid close contact with pregnant women and young children for a few hours after the scan (as a precaution).
- A specialist Nuclear Medicine radiologist will review your images and send a detailed report to your referring doctor.
- Your doctor will discuss your results and next steps at your follow-up appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The radiation dose is low and similar to standard imaging tests. The tracer leaves your body naturally within 24 hours.
Allow 2–3 hours in total, including preparation, rest time, and scanning.
Yes. A referral from your GP or specialist is required for Medicare eligibility and to ensure the correct test is performed.
Yes. All eligible scans are bulk billed for patients who meet Medicare criteria.
Safety and Comfort
- PET/CT is safe and well tolerated.
- The radiation exposure is low and carefully calculated for each patient.
- Adverse reactions are extremely rare.
- Our facilities comply with all Australian Radiation Safety Standards.
- You will not be radioactive or pose any danger to others after your scan.
Get the answers you need
Book your advanced, low-dose PET/CT imaging from South Coast Radiology, providing clarity, confidence, and expert care when it matters most.