Positron Emission Tomography, or PET scans, can help diagnose diseases by assessing metabolic function of organs (seeing how well your organs and tissues are working) using radioactive tracers.

About this service

We offer diagnostic PET imaging for variety of body parts and conditions for both adults and children with an appropriate doctors referral.

We usually give you an injection of a small amount of a radioactive dye into a vein in your arm. After this you will remain still and relaxed in a chair for up to an hour, before being placed on the scanning machine.

Who we care for

Our services are available for patients with a referral from their GP or specialist.

Certain scans that meet the Medicare eligibility criteria are bulk billed if you have a Medicare card. If your scan does not meet this criteria you will need to pay an out of pocket fee. Your doctor will advise you of this.

How to access this service

You need a referral from your specialist or GP to access this service. Your doctor may choose to contact us directly.

We will contact you to book your scan once we have received your referral.

The Nuclear Medicine and PET Department is open from 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.

You or your referrer can send us your referral by:

• Fax: (02) 6514 2494 or (02) 6174 5317
• Email: Medical.imaging@act.gov.au
• Mail: Nuclear Medicine and PET Department, Canberra Hospital. Yamba Drive Garran ACT 2605
• In Person: you can drop it in to the Medical Imaging Reception in Building 12 of Canberra Hospital.

What to expect

We will normally give you a phone call to tell you about your specific scan including:

• how long it will take
• preparation that is needed
• an outline of the procedure
• to answer any initial questions.

When you arrive for your scan, one of our technologists will explain the scan to you and ask you a few questions about your medical history.

We then inject a small amount of a radioactive dye, called a tracer, into a vein in your arm. We use quite small needles and our tracers don’t cause any side effects.

Our scans can take a long time and we will make you as comfortable as possible.

What to bring to your appointment

• Medicare card
• Medicines you need to take while you are here
• List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have bought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
• Previous x-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports

Where we’re located

Medical Imaging, Building 12, Level 2, Canberra Hospital.

From the main entrance, head to Building 1, go past the lifts and follow the blue line on the floor to the Medical Imaging Reception.

We have directions and location information for Canberra Hospital.