PET Scan
 
What is PET?
Position Emission Tomography (PET) is a camera that produces powerful images of the human body and allows the physician to see what is happening inside your body. PET is a non-invasive procedure that provides that provides unique information about the body's metabolism, cell function and exact location of a disease-information not available through CT or MRI. Unlike CT or MRI, which look at anatomy or body structure, PET studies body function.
Research has shown that PET can effectively pinpoint the
source of many of the most common cancers.PET can give physicians important early information about cardiac and neurological diseases.
Streamlining testing and decreasing the need for invasive biopsies. Because PET scans are pictures of the body's chemistry, many diseases can be seen in their earliest stages.
PET Facts
. Safe.
. One image shows all body organ systems.
. Earlier diagnosis of disease.
. Shows how the body responds to treatment.
. Reduces or eliminates unnecessary surgical or medical treatments, hospitalization.
. Reduces multiple medical costs, avoids needless plan to the patient.
PET Benefits
. Earlier diagnosis.
. Monitoring effects of therapy.
. Elimination of invasive procedures.
. Replacement of multiple tests.
. Pre-surgical assessment.
. Identification of distant tumors.
. Can tell the difference between scar tissue and recurrence.
Can I Eat or Drink Before My Scan
This will depend on the type of study, but typically, you will be asked not to eat any food or drink anything except water for at least four hours before your scan.
How Much Time Should I Allow?
You can expect to be in the PET center for one and a half to three hours. The actual scan itself takes far less time.
What does My Procedure Involve?
To begin the procedure, a small amount of radioactive glucose is injected into your blood stream through a small IV started by the technologist.

There is no danger to you from this injection. Glucose (also known as sugar) is a common substance every cell in your body needs in order to function. The radiation exposure associated with PET is similar to a conventional CT scan.

After the injection, you will wait approximately an hour, while the injected glucose is distributed throughout your body.

Then, you will be asked to lie on a table that passes slowly through the scanner. The scanner resembles a CT scanner, but has a much larger opening. Some people fall asleep during the scan. The scanner does not make any noise; use IV contrast or cause "warm" sensations.
What Should I Do To Prepare?
For Your Comfort and peace of mind, please be sure to:
. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant or if you are a nursing mother.
.  Wear comfortable clothing in layers.
.  Tell your doctor and technologist if you are diabetic.
.  Wear your hearing aid glasses and dentures to the PET center. However, leave other valuables at home.
.  Take any prescribed medications on the day of your test unless instructed differently by your doctor.
.  Do not eat for least four hours before your scan.
.  Avoid all beverages except water for at least four hours before your scan.
How Will I Feel Afterward?
You will be able to do normal activities after your scan. There are no side-effects from the injected radioactive glucose.