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A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is an imaging test that uses a radioactive substance (called a tracer) to look for disease in the body.
Unlike magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans, which reveal the structure of and blood flow to and from organs, a PET scan shows how organs and tissues are working.
See also:
Alternative NamesNuclear medicine scan; Positron emission tomography
How the test is performedThe health care provider will inject a small amount of a radioactive material into one of your veins, usually on the inside of the elbow. The substance travels through the blood and collects in organs and tissues.
You'll be asked to wait nearby as the radioactive substance is absorbed by your body. This usually takes about 1 hour.
Then, you will lie down on a table that slides into a tunnel-shaped hole in the center of the PET scanner.
The PET machine detects energy given off by the radioactive substance and changes it into 3-dimensional pictures. The images are sent to a computer, where they are displayed on a monitor for the health care provider to read.
You must lie still during the PET scan so that the machine can produce clear images. How long the test takes depends on what part of the body is being scanned.
How to prepare for the testYou must sign a consent form before having this test. You will be told not to eat anything for 4 - 6 hours before the PET scan, although you will be able to drink water.
Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.
Also tell your health care provider about any prescription and over-the-counter medicines that you are taking, because they may interfere with the test.
Be sure to mention if you have any Allergies, or if you've had any recent imaging studies using injected dye (contrast).
During the test, you may need to wear a hospital gown. Take off any jewelry, dentures, and other metal objects because they could affect the scan results.
How the test will feelYou will feel a sharp prick when the needle with the radioactive substance is inserted into your vein. You shouldn't feel anything during the actual PET scan.
Why the test is performedA PET scan can reveal the size, shape, position, and some function of organs.
This test can be used to:
- Check brain function
- Diagnose cancer, heart problems, and brain disorders
- See how far cancer has spread
- Show areas in which there is poor blood flow to the heart
Several PET scans may be taken over time to determine how well you are responding to treatment for cancer or another illness.
Normal ValuesThere are no problems detected in the size, shape, or position of an organ. There are no areas in which the radiotracer has abnormally collected.
What abnormal results mean- Abnormal heart function
- Abnormal size, shape, or position of an organ
- Alzheimer's disease
- Cancer (presence and how far it has spread)
- Change in organ function
- Growths
- Infection
The amount of radiation used in a PET scan is low. It is about the same amount of radiation as in most CT scans. Also, the radiation doesn't last for very long in your body.
However, women who are pregnant or are breastfeeding should let their doctor know before having this test. Infants and babies developing in the womb are more sensitive to the effects of radiation because their organs are still growing.
It is possible, although very unlikely, to have an allergic reaction to the radioactive subtance. Some people have pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site.
Special considerationsIt is possible to have false results on a PET scan. Blood sugar or insulin levels may affect the test results in people with Diabetes.
Most PET scans are now performed along with a CT scan. This combination scan is called a PET/CT.
ReferencesBeller GA, Kramer CM. Nuclear cardiology and computed tomography. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 54.
Ettinger DS. Lung cancer and other pulmonary neoplasms. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 201.
Hackney D. Radiologic imaging procedures. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 419.
What else can I help you with?
What specific date was the PET scan invented?
Invented by Proffesor Michael Anthony Principe and his accomplish Kosta Kolaj in 1983 and suitable for humans in 1996.
What is the difference between an fMRI scan and PET scan?
fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) is a non-invasive brain imaging technique in which an individual lies in an MRI machine. The MRI machine has a magnetic field and a gradient coil which causes changes in the alignment of water molecules in the brain. The idea is that when a region is active it requires more oxygen, and thus seeing an increased amount of aligned molecules suggests that that particular region might be involved in a specific task. PET (positron emission tomography) is an invasive brain imaging technique which involves injecting an individual with radioactive glucose and measuring the amount of glucose in different brain regions. Similar to a region needing oxygen, a highly active region also needs glucose for its metabolic processes. If during a specific task a particular brain region were active, one would expect to see more signal from that brain region while being monitored by a PET scan.
Positron-emission tomography forms images of body tissues this is known as what?
Positron-emission tomography (PET) forms images of body tissues using radioactive tracers that emit positrons. This imaging technique is used to detect functional processes in the body, such as metabolism or blood flow, and is commonly used in medical diagnosis and research.
How pet scan works?
Positron emitting radioisotopes (such as fluorine 18) are placed within the body to attach themselves to concentrations of the material that you wish to locate. Electrons are them emitted from a source with collide with the emitted positrons to create 2 photons. The energy-filled photons are reflected in almost perfectly oppposite directions onto a circular detector placed around the radioisotope. This creates a line of general location of the radioisotopes, and therefore the material that you are searching for (ie tumors)
What are the benefits of using a cool pet pad, such as a self-cooling pet pad, for keeping your pet comfortable during hot weather?
Using a cool pet pad, like a self-cooling pet pad, can help keep your pet comfortable in hot weather by providing a cool surface for them to rest on. This can help prevent overheating and dehydration, especially for pets with thick fur or those who are more sensitive to heat. Cool pet pads can also help soothe sore muscles and joints, making them a great option for older pets or those with arthritis.
Is there an app available that can scan pet microchips?
Yes, there are apps available that can scan pet microchips. These apps use the smartphone's camera to scan the microchip and provide information about the pet.
What type of procedure is a PET scan?
cat scan
What is a Diagnostic body scan that is referred to as a ped scan?
Are you talking about a PET scan?
What advantage does the MRI scan have over the Pet scan for the subject?
A PET scan shows what level / stage (if any) the cancer is at. An MRI scan doesn't do this, the reader, looks for abnormalities on the scan which shows up everything in the body.
Can you have a pet scan and bone scan on same day?
Yes, but bone scan has to be completed first.
Can you have braces on during a pet scan?
no
How much does a pet scan for a dog cost?
A PET scan, or Positron Emission Tomography, is used to scan internal organs for abnormalities, like tumors, or cancer. PET scans for animals may cost hundreds, or thousands of dollars, depending on the size of the animal, and the complexity of the scan.
How long does a pet scan take?
A full body PET scan can take 30 to 45 minutes. A scan of a single lamp or a single organ can take as little as 10 minutes.
What is salary for pet scan technologist?
$92,000
How does a PET Scan use Radioisotope decay?
A PET scan uses radioisotope decay by detecting the pair of annihilation photons emitted during the decay process.
Does alcohol affect a PET Scan?
He'll yes.
How do you say pet scan in spanish?
Translation: Tomografía
