PET/CT for Fever of Unknown Origin
18F-FDG≈ 15 min on the scanner
In simple words
White blood cells rushing to fight an infection burn sugar just as fast as tumour cells do. That makes FDG PET/CT an unusually effective search tool when a fever has no obvious source: instead of testing one organ at a time, it screens the whole body in a single scan and shows the treating physician exactly where to look — and where to take a biopsy from.
Questions this scan answers
- Where is the hidden infection or inflammation causing this fever?
- Is there an occult cancer behind it?
- Which site should be biopsied?
The Prismaa difference
In these patients the finding is often a single small node or one segment of a blood vessel wall. Resolution and contrast decide whether it is seen or not.
Usually recommended for
- Fever above 38.3 °C for more than three weeks with no diagnosis
- Persistently raised ESR/CRP with no identified cause
- Suspected deep-seated abscess, spinal or prosthetic joint infection
- Suspected tuberculosis at an unclear site
How to prepare
- Fast for 6 hours; water is allowed.
- Tell us about recent antibiotics, steroids and any surgery in the last 6 weeks — all of these change the picture.
- Bring your fever chart, blood culture results and previous imaging.
Book this scan, or ask us whether it is the right one
We are happy to discuss the request with your treating doctor before you commit to an appointment.