A cornerstone of oncologic imaging, FDG (or Fluorodeoxyglucose, is useful in tumour staging and treatment while also assisting in both predicting prognosis and treatment response. FDG is non-invasive for patients while still allowing for accurate information to aid in early treatment options.

F18-Fluromethylcholine (FCH) is the preferred method for the detection or metastatic disease such as extensive bone metastases or prostate cancer.

A more sensitive and specific technique, NaF-18 makes lesions easier to see than more traditional bone scanning allowing for a relatively higher number of lesions detected.

Providing excellent contract and a high detection rate, Ga-68 PSMA provides valuable marker information that allows for more specific treatment for prostate cancer patients.

Using Gallum-68 (Ga-68_ labelled compound DOTATATE, this scan allows for higher resolution and improved pharmacokinetics with promising results in the detection of SST receptor-expressing tumours.

A breakthrough in imaging and diagnostics technology now allows for early detection of Alzheimer’s Disease. Allowing for early detection provides a more precise understanding to the changes going on in the brain.

A combination of PET examinations for improved diagnosis of liver cancer.

According to Ministry’s of Health (MOH) guidelines, you will be able to claim-

• Cancer Drug Services and Other Cancer Scans from 1 September 2022 onwards up to $600 per year per patient.
• Outpatient scans for diagnosis or treatment of a medical condition up to $300 per year per patient.

Please note, this does not apply to plain X-rays or scans that are already claimable under other MediSave schemes such as scans for cancer treatment, scans for chronic disease under the Chronic Disease Management Programme, or antenatal scans.

Excluding diabetic medications, you can continue to take your regular medications for most medical conditions with water on the morning or your scan if you don’t need to take them with food.

Please speak to your doctor for advice for your specific needs.

For patients with Diabetes, please check your blood glucose level on the morning after your 12-hour fast. If your blood glucose is-

• 80-150 mg/dL, go to your appointment as scheduled.
• Below 70 mg/dL or you have hypoglycaemic symptoms, please treat your low blood glucose in your usual way. Do not let low blood glucose go untreated. You will need to call to reschedule your scan.
• Above 150 mg/dL, we may need to reschedule your scan. Please call the centre to discuss.

If you have any questions, please discuss with your doctor or contact the centre before your appointment.

As pre-scan preparations will vary by the scan needed, please check with us when making your appointment or with your consulting doctor.

PET-CT scans are non-invasive and painless procedures that typically do not require a support person to attend the appointment with you. However, if you do require sedation for your scan, you will need to be accompanied by a family member for your safety.

The small amounts of radiation that you will be exposed to during these scans have not been shown to cause harm. However, for children or patients that require multiple PET-CT scans there may be a slight increase in the risk of cancer in the future.

If you are concerned, please with your doctor about your personal health history and the number of scans you have had previously. This will help them decide the safest option for you.

• Please do not eat or drink anything besides plain water for six (6) hours before your appointment.
• Do not smoke on the day of your scan.
• Bring any previous x-ray, ultrasound, CT or MRI films along with blood test, biopsy reports, and medication list.
• Please do not exercise or engage in any strenuous activity (including massage) 24 hours prior to your appointment.
• Excluding diabetic medicines, no change to medication is required.
• For Diabetic patients, please do not take oral diabetic medication or insulin injections on the day of the scan. Do bring the medication along with you to the appointment.
• Diabetic patients should also arrive to our centre 30 minutes before their scheduled appointment to have their blood sugar checked.
• You can expect to be at our centre for approximately three (3) to four (4) hours.
• If you need to reschedule, please inform the centre at least 48 hours in advance.
• If you are pregnant or are breastfeeding, please notify our staff before your appointment.