What is a PSMA?

The tracer F- 18 PSMA binds to the prostate-specific membrane antigen ( PSMA ) on the surface of tumor cells and thus enables imaging with very high contrast. The smallest tumor settlements can be discovered that could escape conventional imaging.

A tracer for the prostate

The tracer F‑ 18 PSMA binds to the prostate-specific membrane antigen ( PSMA ) on the surface of tumor cells and thus enables imaging with very high contrast. In this way, the smallest tumor settlements can be discovered, which conventional imaging could escape.

Important to know

• Please bring copies of your most recent CT, X-ray, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) films with you on the day of your PET/CT scan.

• No special preparations are required in advance. You can have a small breakfast on the day of the examination.

• Drink plenty of water one hour before the examination.

• On the day of the examination, contact with pregnant women or young children should be avoided.

What you need for a PSMA PET-CT

• The examination costs are not reimbursed by the health insurance companies.

• Some private insurance companies cover part of the costs, you should definitely submit our fee note there.

• Depending on the medical question, an individual tracer is produced for your examination.

If you need to cancel your appointment

• If need to cancel your appointment, please inform us of this no later than the day before by 12 noon, otherwise we will have to charge a cancellation fee.

• Also, if we can’t reach you to confirm the appointment 48 hours before the exam we will have to reschedule you. You can of course also call us if you are not reachable.

How a PSMA PET-CT works

• We will inject you a small dose of the radioactive tracer substance specially prepared for you.

• Then wait 120 minutes in a lying position to achieve the appropriate tracer distribution and enrichment.

• The recording in the scanner takes about 20minutes.

• Drink plenty of fluids after the examination to speed up the elimination of the tracer.

• Please let us know if you suffer from claustrophobia. Here are some tips if you do.

Side effects

• No side effects are to be expected from the injection of the radioactive tracer itself.

• Side effects can result from the administration of iodine-containing contrast medium in the context of the possibly accompanying contrast medium-assisted computed tomography (intolerance reaction, hyperthyroidism, exacerbation of a pre-existing renal insufficiency).

• Please make sure to point out in the informative discussion if you have had a reaction to a contrast medium in the past (reddening of the skin, itching, swelling, shortness of breath, etc.).