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Your doctor has requested a PSMA PET/CT scan. This booklet will answer some of the questions you may have.  

What is a PET PSMA Scan?  

A PSMA PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan is a diagnostic test that uses a radioactive substance to detect recurrent prostate cancer. We inject this product into a vein in your arm, give it time to circulate through your system, and then scan you in a special scanner to see where the radioactive substance is taken up within your body. 

This special scanner combines the PET scan with a CT (Computed Tomography) scan. The CT scan is performed first and gives us detailed images of your anatomy using x-rays. The PET scan is performed immediately after, on the same scanning bed. Together, the PET/CT can reveal diseased tissue that wouldn’t be seen on a CT scan alone.  

What is involved?  

The entire procedure should take approximately 2.5 hours. 

When you arrive, the technologist will explain the test to you and give you time to ask any questions you may have about the procedure. The technologist will set up an intravenous line and use it to administer two separate injections into a vein of your arm.  

The first injection is a radioactive substance, with which there are no known side effects. This substance needs to circulate through your system for approximately 70-80 minutes before you can be scanned. You will be left in a small room following this injection to relax, with a glass of water to drink while you wait. 

The second injection is a diuretic. It is injected approximately five minutes after the radioactive substance. It will make you have to urinate often during your wait time. The technologist will show you the washroom, which you can use as often as you need to while you are waiting for your scan.  

After the wait, the technologist will take you into the scanning room and have you lie on the scanning bed which will move in and out of the scanner. All you need to do is lie still and breathe normally for the entire scan. When the scan starts, we leave the room. We can still hear you and see you through a window and intercom. You might hear buzzing or clicking noises from the scanner during the scan. These sounds are normal and you don’t need to worry. The duration of the imaging is typically 20-40 minutes. 

Once the scan is complete, the technologist will show you out, and you can return home with no side effects from the procedure. 

Do I need to prepare for the scan?  

• Bring your Health card. 
• No special preparation is required. You will be able to eat, drink and take your medications as usual on the day of your scan. 
• We would like you to dress in clothing that does not have any metal. Please refrain from wearing any jewelry. Please leave all valuables at home. 
• Please bring a complete list of your current medications. 
• Please notify our booking office at the time of scheduling your appointment if you have any concerns regarding claustrophobia, lying still, require a mechanical lift for transfer to the imaging bed, have a language barrier or any other special needs, so that appropriate arrangements can be made ahead to provide you with the best possible care. 

Will it hurt?  

Only the insertion of IV line may hurt. 

Is the radiation dangerous?  

The injection contains a small amount of radioactive tracer which emits gamma rays (these are similar to X-rays) which can be detected by our scanner. The radiation dose is very low and will disappear by itself after one day. The results of your scan will give your doctor useful information about your condition and will help them plan your treatment. The benefits of having the scan far outweigh any potential risk from the small radiation dose.  

Do I need to do anything after the scan?  

No special precautions are needed after the scan. If you are travelling across any borders within seven days after your scan, please ask us for further advice. Border crossings and airports have very sensitive radiation detectors which may pick up tiny amounts of radioactivity remaining within your body. We will give you a letter that you can show to customs officials at border crossings or airports.  

How will I get the results of my scan?  

A specially trained doctor will examine the pictures. This is normally done soon after the end of the scan. A report is then sent to the doctor who asked us to do the scan. Your doctor will normally receive the report within one week. You will also have access to the report on MyChart as soon as it is released. 

If you have questions about the scan results or report, please contact your doctor directly. They are best able to interpret the report for you. 

Will this test cost me money? 

No. This test is paid for by the healthcare system. The test costs over one thousand dollars, so please notify the department at 613-761-4831 if you cannot make your appointment. 

What should I do if I cannot make my appointment? 

If you cannot make you appointment, it is important that you notify the department at 613-761-4831 as soon as possible. Failure to make your appointment results in wasting of expensive materials that are ordered especially for your appointment and also reduces availability to other patients. Missed appointments may also result in delays of your treatments. 

Directions and Parking 

General Campus  501 Smyth Road Main level Tel.: 613-761-4831, option 8 Hours: Mon. – Fri., 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  Directions: From the main entrance, follow the signs on the main level (located at the public elevators). Patients may also ask for directions at the patient Information desk.

Park in the parking garage which is located beside the main entrance just off Smyth Road.

Parking instructions 

• All parking lots are automated  
• Take the parking ticket with you inside.  
• When you have completed your appointment, you can pay by cash or credit card at one of our pay stations, or you can pay by credit card with express exit at the parking lot exit gates (the grace period after payment to leave facility is 20 minutes). 
• Payment methods: 
  • Pay stations: Cash or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express). 
• Maximum parking fee is $13.00 

Visit The Ottawa Hospital’s website for additional directions and parking instructions and maps.

Last updated on: April 19th, 2022