Why is this procedure done?
Positron emission tomography is often called a PET scan. It lets the doctor look at pictures of your organs. A radioactive substance called tracer is put into a vein in your arm. It helps show your organs more clearly and the activity inside them. ‚
You will be placed in a tunnel-shaped machine called a scanner. You must lie flat and still. The scanner makes 3D pictures of your organs and shows their activity. The doctor can use these pictures to see diseases in your body. Often, your PET scan may be combined with a CT scan to give your doctor even more details about your condition. ‚
This test is done to find out if you have: ‚
- Cancer
- Heart diseases
- Brain injury
- Seizures
What will the results be?
A doctor will study the pictures and send the report to your doctor. Your doctor will talk with you about the results. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure. Some foods may affect the test results.
- Tell your doctor if you have diabetes. Your doctor will give you special instructions.
- Tell your doctor if you weigh 300 pounds or more. You may need a bigger machine.
- Tell your doctor if you have problems being in a small space. Your doctor will give you drugs to relax. There are also open PET scans.
- Do not wear any jewelry.
What happens during the procedure?
- The staff will give you the tracer. It will be injected into your vein.
- You will rest quietly for up to an hour while the tracer moves through your body.
- The staff will help you lie down on a table. The table will slide inside the machine.
- You will need to lie still during the test. Moving may make the pictures blurry.
- You will hear soft noises while the machine is taking pictures.
- The test takes about 30 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- You may go home after the procedure.
- Do not drive yourself home if the doctor gave you a drug to help you relax.
- Ask your doctor when the results will be ready.
What care is needed at home?
- Avoid close contact with children for 8 hours after the test. The radioactive tracer is short lived and is most often gone from the body in 2 to 10 hours.
- You may go back to your normal activities after the test.
What follow-up care is needed?
The doctor will talk with you about your results. ‚
What problems could happen?
Allergic reaction. This is very rare. ‚
Where can I learn more?
American College of Radiology Imaging Network ‚
http://www.acrin.org/PATIENTS/ABOUTIMAGINGEXAMSANDAGENTS/ABOUTPETSCANS.aspx ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/PET-scan/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Radiological Society of North America ‚
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=pet ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚