Private PET-CT scans

An advanced nuclear imaging method that gives a detailed picture of your cells and the body's internal structures using low dose radiation.

Enquiries & Appointments

London Bridge Hospital _Sept 23_104.jpg

About having a PET/CT

PET-CT scans combine PET (positron emission tomography) and CT (computised tomography) technology in one full body scanner.

This advanced nuclear imaging technique shows how the cells in the body are functioning at the same time as generating 2D and 3D images of inside the body. 

Patient in CT scanner with staff 1370321304.jpg

How does a PET/CT scan work?

PET-CT scans can be used to diagnose, and monitor cancer to see if cancer has spread to other parts of the body. It is also used to assess the body's response to treatment. This scanner is increasingly used to diagnose inflammatory conditions and heart conditions. 

For the PET part of the scan, you'll be given an injection of a substance called a radioactive tracer. As this is absorbed by the body, any cancerous or inflammatory cells will show up on the scan as hot spots. The CT scan produces 2D X-ray images of your body as it moves through the scanner. These can be layered to create 3D images for your consultant to analyse.

Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. These will be explained to you, and your consultant can answer any questions you have.

Associated scan PET CT

FDG Pet scan

Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) is a radiotracer used to detect active malignant lesions in a wide range of cancers. It can also be used to monitor the response to cancer therapy treatments.

Find out more

SPECT-CT scan

It's full name is a single-photon emission computed tomography scan. The scan uses a gamma ray technique to produce 3D images to help analyse the function of internal organs.

Find out more

THSC_CT scanner_Sept 23_019

About our nuclear medicine services

This service is a branch of specialist medical imaging that uses radioactive substances to diagnose and treat a variety of diseases.


The most common diagnostic tests that use nuclear medicine scans include; bone scans, lung scans and certain tests for the heart, thyroid and kidney functions.

Our PET-CT scans locations

The Harborne Hospital

The Harborne Hospital

Mindelsohn Way B15 2FQ Birmingham
The Christie Private Care

The Christie Private Care

Wilmslow Road M20 4BX Manchester
The Wellington Hospital

The Wellington Hospital

8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
The Wilmslow Hospital

The Wilmslow Hospital

52-54 Alderley Road SK9 1NY Wilmslow
London Bridge Hospital

London Bridge Hospital

27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic

The Harley Street Clinic

35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
Sydney Street Outpatients

Sydney Street Outpatients

102 Sydney Street SW3 6NR London
The Wellington Neuroendocrine Tumours Unit

The Wellington Neuroendocrine Tumours Unit

The Wellington Hospital NW8 9LE London

This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.