A PET scan is a type of medical imaging test that uses a radioactive tracer to create images of your body's organs and tissues. The tracer is injected into your bloodstream, and it travels to different parts of your body, where it is absorbed by cells. The PET scanner detects the radiation emitted by the tracer and uses it to create images of your organs and tissues.

PET scans are used to diagnose a variety of conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease. They can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.

What to Wear for a PET Scan

What to Wear for a PET Scan

When you go for a PET scan, you will be asked to wear loose, comfortable clothing. You will also need to remove all metal objects from your body, including jewelry, watches, and belts. This is because metal objects can interfere with the PET scanner.

Here are some tips for choosing what to wear for a PET scan:

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  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing made from natural fibers, such as cotton or linen.
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  • Avoid wearing clothes that are made from synthetic materials, such as nylon or polyester. These materials can cause static electricity, which can interfere with the PET scan.
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  • Remove all metal objects from your body, including jewelry, watches, and belts.
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  • If you have any piercings, you may be asked to remove them as well.
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  • If you have long hair, you may be asked to tie it back or wear a hairnet.
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  • If you are cold, you may be given a blanket or robe to wear.

    What to Expect During a PET Scan

    When you arrive for your PET scan, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown. You will then be injected with the radioactive tracer. The tracer will take about 30 minutes to circulate through your body.

    Once the tracer has circulated through your body, you will be taken to the PET scanner. The PET scanner is a large, doughnut-shaped machine. You will lie down on a table that moves through the center of the scanner. The scanner will rotate around you, detecting the radiation emitted by the tracer.

    The PET scan usually takes about 30 minutes. You will not feel any pain during the scan.

    After the PET Scan

    After the PET scan, you will be asked to wait for a short period of time while the images are processed. Once the images are ready, you will be able to meet with your doctor to discuss the results.