PET Scan

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a non-invasive, advanced imaging procedure that produces images of physiological function and measures metabolic changes within the body. PET is used for:

• Cancer detection
• Evaluate if the cancer has spread to other parts the body
• Treatment assessment
• Determine if the cancer has returned after treatment
• Determine blood flow to the heart muscle
• Evaluate the effects of a heart attack, myocardial infarction
• Evaluate brain abnormalities such as tumors, memory disorders and seizures and other central nervous system disorders
• To map normal human brain and heart function

A very small amount of radioactive material call radioisotope (also called radionuclide) is injected into a vein by a PET technologist. The radioactive material is tagged to a form of sugar that is used for energy by all cells in the body. Areas of abnormally high uptake this material will “brighten” detecting pathology.

A PET scan emits radiation comparable to a CT procedure, for this reason it is very important that if you are pregnant or there is a possibility of pregnancy, or you are breast feeding, that you inform your physician and our personnel prior to having your scan.