Ga-68 Dotatate PET (Netspot)

This procedure is performed for the management of neuroendocrine tumors.

Procedure

• A nuclear medicine technologist will help you get ready for the study.
• We will insert an intravenous (IV) tube into a vein in your arm or hand. You may feel some discomfort when the IV line is placed.
• The technologist will inject the tracer into your IV.
• You will relax for about an hour while the tracer flows through your body.
• We will then take you to the PET scan area.
• We will ask you to lie on your back on the scanner table. You will need to lie flat on your back for up to 40 minutes; we will use pillows to help provide support.
• The PET camera will take images. Most scans will cover the area from the base of your skull down to the middle of your thighs. This imaging takes about 40 minutes.
• Your body will be inside the camera during the scan, but most of the time your head will not be enclosed. If you have a strong fear of enclosed places or concerns about pain, talk with your doctor about sedation (medicine to help you relax).
• During the PET scan, you must hold very still and breathe normally.
• You will not feel anything from the tracer being in your body.
• Expect to be in the imaging department for 1 ½ to 2 hours for your entire PET scan appointment.

Preparation

• Schedule your Ga-68 Dotatate PET scan 1 to 2 days before your next long-acting sandostatin injection.
• Drink plenty of fluids on the day of this study. You should arrive for the appointment well-hydrated. There is no diet restriction.
• For Henry Ford Cancer, Fairlane, Sterling Heights, and West Bloomfield patients: Please arrive at your appointment time.
• For Macomb and Brownstown patients: Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
• After the scan, drink plenty of fluids. This will help flush the tracer out of your system. The radioactivity is gone within a day.

Considerations

• If you are claustrophobic, please inform the scheduler before scheduling this exam.
• If you will be unable to have the scan, please contact us prior to 7 a.m. the day of the scan at (313) 916-2983 or leave a voice mail message after hours at (313) 916-3217.