What is PET?
PET is short for Positron Emission Tomography. PET is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure, which involves the injection of a radioactive tracer that can be visualized by a special camera that detects radioactivity. Images from the camera are stored on computers and are processed to evaluate organ anatomy and function.
Why would someone have this test?
This exam can assist physicians with the management of a patient’s health care various conditions, including those with cancer, coronary artery disease and various neurologic disorders. For more specific information, view the PET for Oncology, PET for Neurology and
PET for Cardiology pages of this website.
What is the preparation?
The preparation for the study varies depending upon the reason the exam is performed. For general preparation, see the details under PET for Oncology, PET for Cardiology and PET for Neurology. For more specific information, please contact your physician or the PET imaging center administering the exam.
What is the tracer?
For oncology exams, the tracer is usually Fluorine 18 Fluorodeoxygluclose, also know as FDG. FDG is sometimes referred to as radioactive sugar water. For cardiology exams, the tracer is usually FDG, or Rubidium-82. For neurology exams, the tracer is FDG or a variety of other tracers.
How are the pictures taken?
PET tracers emit a radioactive particle that is detected by a special camera and the camera can see the tracer inside of the patient. Nothing comes from the camera; the camera can only see what comes from the patient after the injection.
What does the injection feel like?
An intravenous catheter (IV) is placed prior to the administration of the tracer and the patient will not feel differently after the injection.
How long does this take?
The injection will take only a few seconds and then there is a waiting period before the pictures. Each department is unique and the scan time is dependent on the department that the patient visits.
Who will take my pictures?
The PET images are taken by a Nuclear Medicine Technologist.
Who looks at the images?
A Radiologist or Nuclear Medicine Physician views the images and generates a report.
Is the radioactive injection dangerous?
No, the level of radioactivity that the patient is exposed to is very low, and controlled. It is similar to other imaging procedures like CT and x-ray. The patient is not considered dangerous to other friends and family, although a small amount of radioactivity may remain in the system for 8-10 hours. Patients are encouraged to drink a lot of water after the exam, as the tracer is excreted in the urine.
Are there any side effects from a PET scan?
No, a patient will not experience any side effects from the procedure. |
