PET Scanner

A Positron Emission Tomography and Computed Tomography (PET/CT) scan provide important information about many conditions affecting the heart, brain, and other organs, which will help your doctor plan appropriate treatment for you.

PET/CT images are different than those obtained with conventional X-ray, CT, ultrasound, or MRI. PET shows the function of the body and organs or how they work. CT or other imaging techniques show the structures of the body or how the organs look.

The PET/CT procedure provides information about the structure and function of your organs. In most cases, this combined procedure is completed while you lie on the table during one scheduled exam.

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How Does The Procedure Work?

To begin the procedure, a small amount of radioactive glucose is injected into your bloodstream. There is no danger to you from this injection. Glucose (also known as sugar) is a common substance every cell in your body needs in order to function.

Radioactive glucose must pass multiple quality control measures before it is used for any patient injection. The radiation exposure associated with PET is similar to that associated with a conventional CT scan.

After the injection, you will wait approximately one hour while the injected material is distributed throughout your body. You will be asked to lie on a table that passes slowly through the scanner. The PET/CT scanner resembles a CT scanner, but has a larger opening. Some people fall asleep during the scan.