Positron Emission Tomography
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a nuclear medicine technique using a special camera to capture images of human body's function and to reveal information of health and disease. PET scans compounds normally existing in the body, like simple sugars, labeled with radioactive tracers. These tracers, which emit signals, are injected into the body intravenously. The scanner records the signals that the tracer emits as it journeys through the body and collects in targeted organs. A powerful computer reassembles the signals into actual images, which then show biological maps of normal and abnormal organ function due to disease.
Unlike conventional imaging techniques, which show anatomy, PET detects chemical and metabolic changes in disease states, such as cancer, before anatomic and structural changes have time to develop. PET can detect diseases when anatomic imaging studies are still normal. For even higher accuracy and more diagnostic information, Doctors at RDI combine the metabolic imaging of PET with one of the anatomic imaging modalities like CT. Taking both sets of images, they overlay, or fuse, them together so they can see even more detail of what is going on.
Getting Ready For Your PET Scan:
You will probably need to fast several hours before your PET exam. The digestion process could interfere with t he tracer's accuracy. Should your specific test require unique instructions, you will be informed by your physician at the time your exam is scheduled.
The Test:
Prior to the scan, you will receive the tracer intravenously, after which you will need to remain as still as possible from 30 to 60 minutes while the tracer moves through the various systems of your body. Many people take a nap during this time. Once you're positioned on for the PET scan, you will need to remain absolutely still so the images will be as accurate as possible. The total time of the actual scanning portion of this procedure may be from 45 to 60 minutes.
After the Test:
You can return to your normal activities right away. Your regular doctor or physician that ordered the PET scan will inform you of your test results.