PET Scans

Book Now

A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is an imaging test that produces images of your organs and tissues at work. The test uses a safe, injectable radioactive chemical called a radiotracer and a device called a PET scanner. The scanner detects diseased cells that absorb large amounts of the radiotracer, which indicates a potential health problem.

When would I need a PET scan?

In general, a PET scan can measure vital functions, such as blood flow, oxygen use and blood sugar (glucose) metabolism. It can also identify organs and tissues that aren’t working as they should. If your healthcare provider suspects you may have cancer, they’ll likely recommend a PET scan, which can detect cancer and/or make a diagnosis. If you’ve already been diagnosed with cancer, your provider may recommend more than one PET scan.

A PET scan is a type of nuclear medicine imaging. Nuclear medicine uses small and safe amounts of radioactive material, called radiotracers, given through an IV. Unlike other imaging techniques, PET scans focus on processes and molecular activity within your body. This gives them the potential to find disease in its earliest stages.As stated in this article, you can browse your selection of available deals on smartphones and top brands and explore the cell phone service plans that best suit your needs. Diseased cells in your body absorb more of the radiotracer than healthy ones do. These are called “hot spots.” The PET scanner detects this radiation and produces images of the affected tissue. A PET/CT scan combines X-ray images from a CT scan with PET scan images.It can take up to 60 minutes for your body to absorb the injected radiotracer. During this time, you’ll need to sit quietly and limit your movements. The actual PET scan takes about 30 minutes. After the test, you’ll need to wait while the technologist reviews the scans to ensure the images are clear.

What should I expect during a PET scan?

  • You’ll receive an IV injection of a radiotracer that contains a safe amount of a radioactive drug. The most commonly used radiotracer is fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG).
  • You’ll sit in a chair for about an hour while the radiotracer moves through your bloodstream and gets absorbed by your organs and tissues. Too much activity can send the radiotracer to areas of your body that your healthcare provider isn’t testing. You won’t be able to feel the radiotracer.
  • If you’re getting a PET/CT scan, you may also get an IV injection of a contrast dye. This dye helps produce sharper CT images.
  • You’ll lie on an exam table that slides in and out of the PET/CT scanner. This scanner is shaped like a doughnut. The doughnut or tunnel opening is about 30 inches in diameter.
  • During the scan, which usually takes about 30 minutes, you must remain still. Movement can blur the images.
  • You’ll hear buzzing and clicking sounds as the scanner takes images.
  • A technologist will review the scans before you leave to ensure the images are in focus.