Our new
Centre for Nuclear Medicine and PET-CT
has opened in the North Shore Health Hub

Our new
Centre for Nuclear Medicine and PET-CT
has opened in the North Shore Health Hub

What’s New
Our Refurbishment
Our Centre for Nuclear Medicine and PET-CT
Elucerim: Our standard MRI contrast agent

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PSMA

PSMA (Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen) is a radioactive imaging agent that is used to investigate primary and metastatic prostate cancer with a specialised imaging scan called a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan. This product has been used in patients with prostate cancer to assess response to treatment and to investigate recurrence of disease.  By injecting a small amount of radioactive PSMA into a vein, we can use our combined PET-CT scanner to diagnose, locate and assess this condition.

  • Our reception staff will book you in and get you to sign a consent for release of information. A doctor will then ask you about your medical history and will review any scans you have brought along.
  • You will also be asked to sign a consent form as the product is not approved for use in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Although not registered currently in Australia, these scans are performed at many centres in Australia and overseas.
  • A cannula will be inserted into a vein into your arm or hand through which you will be injected with the PET radioisotope. You will feel nothing from this radioactive injection.
  • We may take a 10 min picture of the pelvis during the injection.
  • You will then be asked to wait for up to 2 hours. You may bring something to read or listen to during this time.
  • After this, you will be asked to go to the toilet to empty your bladder and then lie on the PET scanner bed for the scan. The scan will last about 15-20 minutes.
  • While the tunnel of our scanner is larger than most other PET or CT scanners you may feel a little claustrophobic. You will be able to talk to staff during this scan via an intercom in the machine itself.

Your total time at our Centre for Nuclear Medicine and PET-CT will be approximately 2 hours but the scan itself will only be about 15-20 minutes. Please arrive 20 minutes prior to your booked time.

  • Our reception staff will book you in and get you to sign a consent for release of information. A doctor will then ask you about your medical history and will review any scans you have brought along.
  • A cannula will be inserted into a vein into your arm or hand through which you will be injected with the PET radioisotope. You will feel nothing from this radioactive injection.
  • You will be asked to sit or lie for 45 minutes in a small room. You can bring something to read or listen to during this time
  • After this, you will be asked to go to the toilet to empty your bladder and then lie on the PET scanner bed for the scan.
  • Although your total time in the hospital will be approximately 2hrs, the scan itself is only about 15-20 minutes
  • While the tunnel of our scanner is larger than most other PET or CT scanners you may feel a little claustrophobic. You will be able to talk to staff during this scan via an intercom in the machine itself.
  • After you have been told that you can leave the PET suite, it is suggested that you go home directly.
  • The results of your scan will be sent directly to your referring doctor.

Available at:

Additional Information:

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