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PET scan

Definition:

A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is an imaging test that uses a radioactive substance called a tracer to look for disease in the body.

A PET scan shows how organs and tissues are working. This is different than magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT), which show the structure of and blood flow to and from organs,

Related tests include:



Alternative Names:

Positron emission tomography



How the test is performed:

A PET scan uses a small amount of radioactive material (tracer). The  tracer is given through a vein (IV), most often on the inside of your elbow. The tracer travels through your blood and collects in organs and tissues. This helps the radiologist see certain areas of concern more clearly.

You will need to wait nearby as the tracer is absorbed by your body. This takes about 1 hour.

Then, you will lie on a narrow table that slides into a large tunnel-shaped scanner. The PET picks up detects signals from the tracer. A computer changes the signals into 3-D pictures. The images are displayed on a monitor for your doctor to read.

You must lie still during test. Too much movement can blur images and cause errors.

How long the test takes depends on what part of the body is being scanned.



How to prepare for the test:

You may be asked not to eat anything for 4 - 6 hours before the scan. You will be able to drink water.

Tell your health care provider if:

  • You are afraid of close spaces (have claustrophobia). You may be given a medicine to help you feel sleepy and less anxious.
  • You are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.
  • You have any allergies to injected dye (contrast).

Always tell your health care provider about the medicines you are taking, including those bought without a prescription. Sometimes, medications may interfere with the test results.



How the test will feel:

You may feel a sharp sting when the needle with the tracer is placed into your vein.

A PET scan causes no pain. The table may be hard or cold, but you can request a blanket or pillow.

An intercom in the room allows you to speak to someone at any time.

There is no recovery time, unless you were given a medicine to relax.



Why the test is performed:

A PET scan can reveal the size, shape, position, and some function of organs.

This test can be used to:

  • Check brain function
  • Diagnose cancer, heart problems, and brain disorders
  • See how far cancer has spread
  • Show areas in which there is poor blood flow to the heart

Several PET scans may be taken over time to check how well you are responding to treatment for cancer or another illness.



Normal Values:

A normal result means there were no problems seen in the size, shape, or position of an organ. There are no areas in which the tracer has abnormally collected.



What abnormal results mean:

Abnormal results depend on the part of the body being studied. Abnormal results may be due to:

  • Change in the size, shape, or position of an organ
  • Cancer
  • Infection
  • Problem with organ function


What the risks are:

The amount of radiation used in a PET scan about the same amount as for most CT scans. Short-lived tracers are used so the radiation is gone from your body in about 2-10 hours.

Tell your doctor before having this test if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Infants and babies developing in the womb are more sensitive to radiation because their organs are still growing.

Rarely, people may have an allergic reaction to the tracer material. Some people have pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site.



Special considerations:

It is possible to have false results on a PET scan. Blood sugar or insulin levels may affect the test results in people with diabetes.

Most PET scans are now performed along with a CT scan. This combination scan is called a PET/CT.



References:

Ettinger DS. Lung cancer and other pulmonary neoplasms. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 197.

Griggs RC, Jozefowicz RF, Aminoff MJ. Approach to the patient with neurologic disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 403.

Kramer CM, Beller GA. Noninvasive cardiac imaging. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 56.

Segerman D, Miles KA. Radionuclide imaging: general principles. In: Adam A, Dixon AK, eds. Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology: A Textbook of Medical Imaging. 5th ed. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone; 2008:chap 7.



Review Date: 11/9/2012
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, David R. Eltz, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang.

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