Overview of Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

PET stands for positron emission tomography. A PET scan is a type of imaging test that allows doctors to see the chemical functions of your organs. Healthcare providers often use PET scans to look for certain diseases such as cancer or brain disorders. PET can be more sensitive to cellular changes than other diagnostic imaging tests, and because of this, PET scans can often detect problems earlier.

PET Technology

A PET scanner is a large cylindrical tube with a narrow table that slides into it. The scan requires a tiny amount of radioactive tracer, which is administered into the bloodstream through a vein. The tracer is given with an intravenous (IV) line. As the tracer is broken down by the body, it emits positrons. Because diseased cells absorb more of the tracer, they also emit more positrons. The positron levels are picked up by the PET scanner, and the computer creates a colored image showing tissue activity. 

How a PET Scan is Performed

PET scans are performed on an outpatient basis. Before the scan, you should follow instructions given to you by your healthcare provider regarding medications and eating changes. You may need to remove clothing if it impacts the scan. You will be given a gown to wear. You will receive the IV injection of a tracer, and it takes around an hour for the tracer to move throughout your bloodstream. For PET/CT scans, you will most likely receive an injection of a contrast dye as well.

After the tracer has been absorbed by your body, you will lie on the PET scanner table. It will slide into the scanner and begin detecting the tracer. A computer will create the images and display them on a screen for your healthcare provider. You should remain still during the scan because movement affects the quality of the images. A PET scan does not cause any pain, and you will be able to speak to the technologist throughout the entire process.

PET/CT Scans

At A.T. Radiology, our PET system is integrated with a CT scanner. This allows the patient to have two scans at the same time: the PET scan for physiology and the CT scan for anatomy. PET scans help find abnormal activity in the tissue, and CT scans help find the exact location of the abnormality. 

Risks Associated with PET

The risk associated with one PET scan is very small. The radioactive tracer is cleared from your body in 2 to 10 hours. That being said, having many scans involving radiation might increase your risk of developing cancer. It is possible but highly unlikely to have an allergic reaction to the tracer. Some soreness at the IV site is common. You should inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

PET/CT at A.T. Radiology

At A.T. Radiology, our PET system is integrated with a CT scanner. This allows the patient to have two scans at the same time: the PET scan for physiology and the CT scan for anatomy. If you are interested in PET imaging at A.T. Radiology, please contact our team at 863-419-8832.