PET stands for positron emission tomography. It is a form of nuclear medicine that produces three-dimensional color images of the functional process within the body. Unlike anatomical tests like CT and MRI which look at anatomy, PET is used to evaluate specific physiology within the body at the cellular level, helping to distinguish structures that have unusually high metabolic activity, such as a growing tumor.
Before a PET examination, a special radiotracer is injected into your body. The PET machine detects gamma rays that are emitted indirectly by this radiotracer, allowing the radiologist to evaluate cancer, blood flow, oxygen intake, and metabolism of your organs and tissues. While most often used to detect and stage cancer, it is now also used to evaluate heart disease, brain disorders, and problems within the central nervous system.
The PET system at A.T. Radiology also includes an integrated CT scanner, which is why it is sometimes referred to as PET/CT. This essentially allows the patient to have two scans at once—the PET scan to evaluate physiology and the CT scan to evaluate anatomy.
An email address will be required for any appointments. Email addresses help us notify patients of upcoming appointments, inform you if a follow up is necessary, and relay other important information. If you do not provide an email, unfortunately we will not be able to see you.
