Amyloid Brain PET-CT for Alzheimer's Disease

An amyloid PET-CT uses a radiotracer and an imaging machine to help diagnose or manage Alzheimer's disease. The scan measures the build-up of abnormal amyloid protein in the brain, one of the key hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease.  

Radiotracer  

A radiotracer is a radioactive medication that is injected into your body through an intravenous (IV) line. A PET scanner detects cells in your body that absorb the radiotracer, giving doctors information about where cancer is and how it is responding to treatment. The radiotracer decays naturally over the course of a day. It leaves your body mainly through your urine. 

Before Your Amyloid PET-CT

• Drink between 32 and 64 ounces of water two hours before your appointment.  
• If you are on a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), be aware that we may need to remove it for the exam. Please plan accordingly.
• If you are anxious or claustrophobic, speak to your referring physician about taking an anti-anxiety medication on the day of your appointment. We are unable to prescribe and administer medication for this exam.

On the Day of Your Amyloid PET-CT

You will have a CT scan at the same time as your PET scan. A CT scan is a fast series of X-ray pictures. The CT pictures are combined with your PET scan to creat pictures of your soft tissues and bones.

• Check in for your appointment on the Connect patient portal. You may also check in when you arrive at the imaging center.  
• Please wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment. Leave your jewelry and valuables at home. Do not wear clothes that contain metal, such as hooks, buckles, or wires.  
• When you arrive for your appointment, a healthcare provider will explain the procedure and answer your questions.  
• You will be given a radiotracer through an intravenous (IV) line in your arm.  
• You will be asked to wait in a room for 40 to 90 minutes, depending on which radiotracer your provider has ordered. You can sleep, bring music to listen to, or watch videos on your personal devices.  
• Next, we will ask you to lie on a narrow, padded table that slides into the scanner. The technologist will leave the room, but they will be able to see, hear, and speak with you at all times. 
• During the scan you will need to lie very still because movement can affect the results.  
• The scan itself will take about 30 minutes. The entire process will take about two hours. 

After Your Amyloid PET-CT

Most people can return to their normal activities immediately after a PET-CT scan. A very small amount of the tracer will remain in your body, so be sure to drink plenty of water to help flush it out of your system. 

Risks 

This is a diagnostic test, not a therapy. Doctors have used radiotracers to diagnose disease for more than 50 years, and there are no known long-term adverse effects of these procedures. Rarely, the radiotracer causes an allergic reaction. 

Results 

A board-certified doctor will review and compare your PET-CT scan with your other imaging tests and write up a detailed report. We will share the results with the doctor who requested the exam. Your doctor will then discuss the results with you. 

How to Access Your Images 

You can view, download, or share your exams through your Connect patient portal.  

Once you are logged in, select “View Radiology Images” from the menu. A new web browser window will open to display a list of your exams.

Questions About Your Exam? 

If you have questions or concerns before your Amyloid PET-CT, you may contact us directly at: 212-342-2899.