How Are PET Scans Done?
A PET scan (positron emission tomography) is a type of medical imaging that uses a radioactive tracer to help detect and monitor a variety of diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease.
How Does a PET Scan Work?
A PET scan involves injecting a small amount of radioactive tracer into your bloodstream. The tracer is then taken up by your cells and tissues, where it emits positrons. When the positrons interact with electrons in your body, they create gamma rays. These gamma rays are detected by a scanner, which produces images of the distribution of the tracer in your body.
What Happens During a PET Scan?
Before your PET scan, you will be asked to fast for 4-6 hours. This helps to ensure that the tracer is not taken up by your stomach or intestines. You will also be asked to drink plenty of water to help flush the tracer out of your body after the scan.
During the scan, you will lie on a table that moves through a large donut-shaped scanner. The scanner will rotate around you, detecting the gamma rays emitted by the tracer. The scan usually takes about 30 minutes to complete.
What Are the Risks of a PET Scan?
PET scans are generally safe. The amount of radiation exposure is low, and the tracer is quickly eliminated from your body. However, there are some potential risks associated with PET scans, including:
- Allergic reaction to the tracer
- Radiation exposure
- Pregnancy complications
What Are the Benefits of a PET Scan?
PET scans can provide valuable information about the function of your organs and tissues. They can help to diagnose and monitor a variety of diseases, including:
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Alzheimer's disease
- Parkinson's disease
- Epilepsy
Who Should Get a PET Scan?
Your doctor may recommend a PET scan if you have symptoms of a disease that could be detected or monitored with this type of imaging. PET scans are often used to diagnose cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease. They can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for these diseases.
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