The Patient-First Experience
At New England PET Imaging System, we're entrusted with an important role in our patients' medical journey. Aided by advanced medical imaging technology, we empower medical teams with crucial information that assists in diagnosis and treatment planning.
Providing patient-focused care in a personal, friendly setting where patients feel welcome, comfortable, and understood.
Two Techniques, One Exam
The PET/CT examination combines two powerful imaging techniques with one state-of-the-art scanner: Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT). Together, these non-invasive imaging processes capture data that becomes crucial in helping physicians make an accurate diagnosis and determine a treatment plan. Using the most advanced imaging technology available today, we're also able to decrease the average scan duration by over 35-40%.
PET/CT is commonly used for diagnosing and detecting cancer and neurological disorders. The results of a PET/CT scan reveal critical information about the functions of the body at the cellular level and structural anatomy, allowing physicians to locate the exact areas of interest where changes are detected as a result of disease.
Before Your Scan
Preparation for your PET/CT scan starts 3 days (72 hours) prior to your exam time. In order for our examiners to collect accurate results, please read the following instructions to prepare for your visit.
- No food or gum for 4 hours prior to your appointment. For patients with a feeding tube, no food for 6 hours prior to your scan.
- Please drink plenty of water. No other type of liquid is allowed (including flavored water) the day of exam.
- Do not perform any strenuous physical activity (weight lifting, running, etc.) for 3 days prior to your PET scan.
- Please take regularly scheduled medications only if they can be tolerated on an empty stomach.
- Nursing home patients and inpatients should discontinue IVs with glucose at least 4 hours prior to scan (D5, D3).
- If you are required to take medication (for muscle relaxation) for the PET/CT examination, please speak with your physician regarding a prescription if needed, especially if there are concerns about claustrophobia. Do not take any such medication until after you have arrived and the PET/CT staff advises you to do so.
*For patients having a PSMA, Dotatate or Amyloid Brain scan: No fasting or diabetic prep is necessary.
Diabetic Patients
For diabetic patients who are insulin-dependent, please take note of the following instructions prior to your PET/CT exam.
- Please fast for 4 hours prior to your appointment.
- If your appointment time falls between 7am or 8am: do NOT take any insulin. Bring insulin with you for administration at the completion of the scan.
- If your appointment time falls between noon or 1pm: take ½ of your insulin along with a light breakfast and allow for 4 hours of fasting before your appointment time.
- Patients with an insulin pump should proceed as usual and fast for 4 hours prior to the appointment.
Arriving For Your Appointment
Your arrival time is important! Please plan to arrive for your appointment 15 minutes early. The radiotracer you will receive for your scan is time-sensitive and must be administered at the designated time of your appointment.
What to wear: warm, loose-fitting clothing without zippers or any metallic objects. If you wear anything that could interfere with the scan, you may be asked to change into a hospital gown. Patients with dentures will also be required to remove them for the scan.
What to bring: photo ID, insurance cards, and any pertinent CT or MRI films.
After Your Scan
Within 48 hours of your exam, your PET/CT results will be delivered directly to the physician who ordered your scan physician. The results will include:
- Your medical report by our board certified radiologists
- Copies of the images from your test
Please note: we do not make results available to patients unless authorized by a referring physician.
Patient Pamphlet
Download our patient pamphlet for more information about your upcoming PET/CT scan.
About Insurance Coverage
Remember to bring a copy of your insurance card to your appointment! Our office staff will confirm your insurance information during your visit. Please note that co-pays and plan deductible must be paid at the time of your exam. Contact your insurance provider prior to your appointment if you have any questions regarding your plan requirements.
We are a Medicare participating provider and accept the majority of commercial plans, including the following third-party payers:
- Aetna Insurance
- Anthem NH Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Cigna Health Care
- Commonwealth Care Alliance
- Fallon Community Health Plan (all plans)
- Harvard Pilgrim Health Care (all plans)
- Humana
- Massachusetts Blue Cross and Blue Shield (all plans)
- Mass General Brigham Health
- Massachusetts Health
- NH Medicaid (EDS)
- Tufts Health Plan (all plans)
- United Healthcare (all plans)
- VA CCN
- Most Commercial Plans
Patient Forms
Patient Prep
Download PDF
Please review New England PET's preparation so you are compliant the day of your scan. We are available to answer any questions you may have.
Medical Record Release
Download PDF
New England PET requires signed patient approval to release your images and reports, or billing information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect during the exam?
You will receive a small injection of the imaging tracer. You will recline in a comfortable chair for 45-60 minutes while the imaging tracer travels throughout your body.
After imaging tracer uptake, the technologist will assist you to the scanner. You will be lying down on the scanning table for imaging.
It is important that you do not move for the duration of the exam. When the total scan is finished, the computers will produce images for the radiologist to review.
How should I prepare for a PET/CT Scan?
Please review our preparation guidelines before your scan.
What do I bring to my PET/CT Scan appointment?
Please bring your insurance cards and photo ID.
What do I wear for my PET/CT Scan?
Wear warm comfortable clothes with no zippers or metallic objects.
Can I drive myself home after my appointment?
Yes, you may drive yourself home, unless you have taken anxiety or relaxation medication.
Do I need to come early to my PET/CT Scan appointment?
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment.
Can I bring someone into the room with me?
If you bring someone with you, they will need to stay in the main waiting area.
How long will the scan take?
Most patients can expect to be at our facility for 1 1/2 - 2 hours. This includes the time needed for the injected imaging tracer to distribute throughout your body, as well as the time you actually spend moving through the scanner.
What should I expect after the exam?
Once your PET/CT scan is completed, you may resume daily activity. You can eliminate the tracer from your body by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
How do I find out the result?
Your Referring physician will receive the report within 24-48 hours. Your referring physician will contact you to share the results.