PET/CT Scans Advisory

Welcome to Singapore General Hospital's guide on preparing for your PET/CT scan. Our modern facilities and experienced team of nuclear medicine physicians are here to ensure your procedure is as comfortable and efficient as possible.

What is a PET/CT Scan?
Understanding this Medical Imaging Technique

A PET/CT scan is a type of medical imaging that uses two different types of scans to produce highly detailed images of the body. PET stands for Positron Emission Tomography, while CT stands for Computed Tomography. 
 

Where to go for your PET/CT Scans

PET/CT scans will be done at Singapore General Hospital at the address below:

Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
Block 2, Basement 1
Singapore General Hospital
Outram Road, Singapore 169608

Take the lifts at SGH Block 2 to Basement 1.

Please refer to the map below to find your way to Nuclear Medicine at SGH Block 2 Basement 1:
Go to SGH Location Map >

Getting to SGH

To find out the locations of public car parks in SGH Campus, parking rates and other relevant details in getting to SGH, visit our "​Visitor Information" webpage.
Go to "​Visitor Information" >
 

Rescheduling / Cancellation

Please contact us at:

Email: nuclear.med@sgh.com.sg
Tel: (65) 6326 5357
Operating Hours: 9.00am to 5.00pm (Monday to Friday) 

Contact us at least 3 working days before the scan if you would like to reschedule or cancel the scan. There is a cost to the radioactive tracer and the scanner slot if you missed your appointment.

Preparing for the Scan

• Do not perform strenuous exercise 2 days before the scan. Excessive muscle activities may affect the distribution of glucose within the body and interfere with the interpretation of the scan.
• If you are going for FDG or FET PET/CT scans, do not eat or drink anything, except water, for 4 hours before the scan. You may drink water until arrival to Nuclear Medicine, SGH.
• Continue to take your medication unless instructed otherwise. Do not take vitamins.
• Wear comfortable clothing on the day of the scan.
• Do not bring along expensive items (e.g. jewelry) on the day of the scan.
• Bring along your NRIC and all recent radiological films, CDs/DVDs or biopsy results on the day of the scan.
• Inform staff if you have allergies or diabetes, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

During the Scan

• The whole process takes 3–4 hours, although the scan itself will only take approximately 30 - 40 minutes unless further imaging is necessary.
• You will change into a hospital gown, and a locker will be provided to store your personal belongings.
• You will be given an injection of small quantity of radioactive tracer into the vein located in the hand or elbow. The injection has no significant side effect.
• After the injection, you are required to lie down and rest for about 60-90 minutes for the tracer to distribute in the body.
• Avoid movement during the scan, as it can interfere with the results. The scan is completely painless.

After the Scan

• Normal diet can be resumed.
• Your scan data will be processed and the result will typically be ready in 24–48 hours.

If you have any questions or concerns about your PET/CT scan, our team is here to help. We're committed to providing you with quality care and making your experience as stress-free as possible.