What Is a Medical PET Scan?

A PET scan is an imaging exam which medical professionals can use to diagnose or monitor illnesses. It can show the position, size, shape and functioning of certain organs.

PET

• PET scan is short for positron emission tomography scan. This exam relies on a radioactive substance to show the structure of organs, as well as the flow of blood to and from particular parts of the body.

Uses

• A PET scan can be used to diagnose cancer or see how far it has spread. It is also used to check brain function and disorders, and to diagnose heart problems.

Procedure

• A small amount o radioactive material is injected into one of your veins. After waiting about an hour for the substance to be absorbed, you lie on a table which slides into the PET scanner. The length of the procedure depends on the area of the body being examined.

Results

• The PET machine detects the energy emitted by the radioactive substance, transforming it into 3D images which are then examined by health professionals.

Risks

• The amount of radiation is low, and similar to what you would receive for a CT (computed tomography) scan, according to the Medline Plus website available in the References section. The radiation administered for the PET scan does not stay long in the body.