A positron emission tomography (PET) scan allows doctors to observe how well your internal organs are functioning. Using the help of a radiotracer, this imaging test pinpoints areas of disease or abnormality in your body.
Radiotracer
As the Cleveland Clinic notes, a radiotracer is a small amount of radioactive material injected into your arm before the PET scan. Your body's organs absorb the radiotracer, and the PET scanner records the energy that the tracer emits.
PET Scanner
As Brigham and Women's Hospital explains, the PET scanner is a large, box-like device with an opening in the middle. To be scanned, you lie down on a narrow table that slides into the scanner's opening.
How A PET Scan Works
According to the Mayo Clinic, the radiotracer tends to concentrate in areas of your body that are exhibiting higher levels of chemical activity. These concentrated areas of radiotracer show up as bright spots on the PET scan. Higher chemical activity often corresponds to disease or abnormality.
Duration
Depending on the area of the body being scanned, you will likely spend 30 to 60 minutes in the PET scanner, according to the . Before the actual scan, you also need to wait for the radiotracer to be absorbed, which generally takes 45 minutes to an hour.
Uses
According to the Mayo Clinic, PET scans are often used in diagnosing and treating heart disease, some neurological disorders and certain types of cancer.
Tags: According Mayo, According Mayo Clinic, , Cleveland Clinic, disease abnormality