Having an amyloid PET-CT brain scan at the Royal Free Hospital

What is an amyloid PET-CT brain scan?

A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is used to look at your brain. A radioactive tracer is injected through a cannula and this scan will detect amyloid, a type of protein that can develop in the brain. The amyloid will be seen when the scanner takes pictures of the brain during the scan. As part of the procedure, a simple CT scan will be acquired before the PET scan. 

How long will this appointment take?

Please allow approximately two hours for your appointment.

How early should I arrive?

Please arrive 30 minutes before your appointment.

Do I need to bring anything with me?

No preparation is needed, but bring any medication that you take.

How should I dress?

Please wear comfortable clothing which allow your sleeves to be easily rolled up for the cannula to be inserted. You will not be required to undress.

What happens when I come to the department?

• A nuclear medicine technologist will explain the procedure and complete a questionnaire with you.
• The technologist will measure your height and weight.
• A trolley is provided to place your personal belongings in; this will be with you all the time.
• You will be taken to a resting bay which is a room containing a bed/couch, which is where you will be injected with the radioactive tracer. 
• A cannula will be inserted on your arm, and the radioactive tracer will be administered through the cannula.
• You will be asked to rest for 90 minutes.
• Immediately before the scan, you will be asked to go to the toilet. You can also use the toilet during the 90 min waiting period.
• The scan will take twenty minutes. Your head will be positioned in a head support to keep it in the same position during the scan. It’s important to keep the head still to acquire the best pictures.

What can I do when I’m in the resting bay?

We would like you to feel relaxed, please let us know if you would like a blanket or water. We ask that you avoid reading, looking at your mobile phone or listening to music because it may impact the amyloid tracer uptake. We will also dim the lights so you can have a proper rest.

During the scan

The nuclear medicine technologist will ask you to lie down on the scanning bed. You head will be positioned in a special support. The bed will then move into the correct position and the scan will begin. Please remain still throughout the scan. A technologist will be overseeing the scan the entire time to make sure you’re okay. If you would like to see the scanner beforehand, please let us know.

Can I bring someone with me?

If you need someone with you, they can sit in the waiting room with you. However, they cannot stay with you in the resting bay or during the scan. Please do not bring anyone pregnant or children with you.

Is the scan dangerous?

No, an amyloid PET-CT brain scan is not dangerous, but it uses a small amount of radioactive material.

What does the scanner look like?

Scanner room

Resting bay

After the scan

You can continue with normal day-to-day activities. Please drink lots of water and maintain an arm’s length distance from any pregnant women and children for the rest of the day.

When will I hear back about the results?

We aim to report the scan within one week.

Travelling to your appointment at the Royal Free Hospital

From Pond Street entrance

Enter the main doors and head towards WH Smith. Go past the lifts on your left, past the stairs on your right and after passing the double doors in front of you, the department is on your immediate left.

From Rowland Hill entrance

Walk down the corridor and turn left onto the main corridor, past the library on the left and the department is on the corridor on your right.