Ashe Memorial Hospital Now Offering Mobile PET/CT Scans

JEFFERSON, N.C. — Ashe Memorial Hospital recently expanded its advanced diagnostic imaging capabilities with the addition of mobile Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/Computed Tomography (CT) scans.

A PET scan is an advanced imaging test that helps physicians evaluate how organs and tissues function at the cellular level while a CT provides cross-sectional images of the body. A PET/CT combines the two noninvasive procedures into one exam. A PET scan is commonly used in oncology, cardiology, and neurology to detect disease, evaluate treatment response, and guide clinical decision-making.

“Having a PET/CT available locally is a big deal for our patients and the community as a whole.” Dr. Ayla Kessler, Medical Director for Ashe Oncology and Hematology, said. “A PET/CT has become an important part of the initial and subsequent diagnostic workup of many cancers. Being able to offer this test at Ashe Memorial Hospital in a timely fashion will reduce the wait to start life-saving treatments, spare patients the 40-60 minutes each way of travel time and will certainly improve the satisfaction of patients and their families not only in Ashe County but also the neighboring counties of North Carolina’s High Country. My team and I are very grateful for the support in bringing it to our hospital and look forward to offering it to our patients soon.”

Ashe Memorial Hospital conducted its first PET/CT scan on June 21. The mobile PET unit will be on-site every other Sunday. Arrival and scan times are generally coordinated early in the day, with patient scheduling managed in advance to ensure smooth throughput.

A provider referral/order is required prior to scheduling, as PET/CT scans must be medically indicated and protocol driven. For more information, please contact Ashe Memorial Hospital’s Scheduling Department at 336-846-0820.

A PET/CT scan visit typically takes two to three hours, which includes preparation, glucose tracer uptake time, and imaging itself. The scan portion alone is usually around 20–40 minutes, depending on the study type.

Prior to a PET/CT scan appointment, patients should:
• Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours prior
• Follow any fasting instructions provided (often 4–6 hours, depending on the study)
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing without metal
• Bring a current medication list
• Expect some waiting time for tracer uptake prior to imaging - The care team will provide specific prep instructions at the time of scheduling based on the order.

“Having mobile PET services locally significantly improves access to advanced diagnostic imaging without requiring patients to travel long distances to tertiary centers,” said James Lambert, Vice President Professional and Support Services for Ashe Memorial Hospital. “This supports earlier diagnosis, more timely treatment planning, and greater continuity of care—especially for oncology patients who may already be dealing with frequent appointments and treatment burdens.”


About Ashe Memorial Hospital
For more than 80 years, Ashe Memorial Hospital’s dedicated team of board certified physicians, nurses and staff members have provided the highest quality medical care available to the people of Ashe County and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Ashe Memorial Hospital offers a wide variety of emergency, elective, rehabilitation and preventative health services.

Founded in 1941, Ashe Memorial Hospital is a fully accredited 25 bed critical hospital located in Jefferson, N.C. For more information, please visit ashememorial.org or call 336-846-7101.