An overview of PET scan
A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is an imaging test that uses a radioactive drug called a tracer to show the metabolic or biochemical function of tissues and organs. It can detect atypical metabolic activity in diseases before they appear on other imaging tests, such as CT and MRI. The tracer is injected into a vein in your arm or hand, and you lie on a padded table that slides into the scanner. The machine takes images for about 30-45 minutes. After the scan, you can continue your daily activities unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise. The results are interpreted by a radiologist, who reports the findings to your provider. PET scans can help diagnose, monitor, or treat various conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and brain disorders.
What is PET scan used for?
A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is an imaging test used to reveal the metabolic or biochemical function of tissues and organs. It can help detect a variety of conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and brain disorders. In cancer diagnosis, PET scans can detect cancerous cells and monitor treatment progress. For heart disease, PET scans can show areas of decreased blood flow in the heart, aiding in treatment decisions. In the case of brain disorders, PET scans can be used to check for tumors, Alzheimer's disease, and seizures. The tracer used in a PET scan is injected into a vein, and while the amount of radiation exposure is low, it may pose risks for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. Overall, a PET scan is a painless procedure, and you can resume your normal activities after the test, unless otherwise advised by your healthcare provider.
How to prepare for PET scan?
Before an PET scan, you need to inform your healthcare provider about any allergies, recent illnesses, medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements you are taking. You should also disclose any medical conditions, such as diabetes, and mention if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a fear of enclosed spaces (claustrophobia). It is important to avoid strenuous exercise for a couple of days before the scan and refrain from eating for four hours prior to the scan. Follow your healthcare provider's detailed instructions on how to prepare for the scan. After the test, you can resume your daily activities unless your provider advises otherwise. Remember to drink plenty of fluids to help flush the tracer from your body.
How is PET scan conducted?
A PET scan is conducted by injecting a radioactive tracer into a vein in the arm or hand of the patient. The tracer collects in areas of the body with higher metabolic or biochemical activity, helping to pinpoint the location of the disease. After the tracer has been absorbed by the body, the patient lies on a table that slides into the PET scanner, which looks like a large doughnut. The scanner takes images of the body during this time. The procedure typically takes about two hours and does not require an overnight hospital stay. The patient must remain still during the scan to ensure the images are not blurred.
How are PET scan results reported?
The radiologist, a specialist trained to interpret scan images, will report the findings of a positron emission tomography (PET) scan to your healthcare provider. They may compare the PET images with images from other tests you've undergone recently, such as an MRI or CT. The PET images may also be combined to provide more detail about your condition. The results are used to help diagnose, monitor, or treat various conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and brain disorders.
Understanding the report
The results of a PET scan are interpreted by a specialist trained to interpret scan images, called a radiologist. They analyze the images and compare them to images from other tests, such as MRI or CT, to provide a detailed report on the metabolic or biochemical function of the tissues and organs under examination. The radiologist's findings are then reported to the healthcare provider, who uses this information to diagnose, monitor, or treat the patient's condition.