The word ‘PET’ in PET scan stands for Positron Emission Tomography. It uses radiation to reveal cellular activity in the body. It helps detect heart disease and other medical conditions. It generally takes 30-60 minutes according to the bodily area.
PET scans can help physicians identify certain medical problems, plan treatment, evaluate how an existing condition is evolving, or assess the efficacy of a treatment. PET scans are frequently prescribed by doctors for those who are receiving cancer therapy as well as those who may have some neurological or radiological issues.
To discover more about PET scans and how they work, please continue reading.
So, what exactly is it?
A PET scan is a test that provides multidimensional, color images of the inner workings of the body.
It depicts not just the appearance of an organ, but also its function.
To confirm a diagnosis, doctors might use a PET scan coupled with a CT or MRI scan.
How does it work?
A PET scan uses a machine to detect the radiation emitted by a radiotracer. A radiotracer is a radioactive substance that has been linked to a natural chemical, like glucose.
This radiotracer is injected into the patient's body by the radiologist and travels to cells that need glucose for energy. The radiotracer will accumulate at the location where a group of cells requires the greatest amount of energy. This will be visible in images that the system reconstructs.
The cells, or activity, will appear as "hot spots" or "cold spots." On a PET scan, active regions appear bright. They are referred to as "hot spots." Where cells use less energy, the areas will be less illuminated. These are the "cold spots."
Cancer cells use glucose more aggressively than healthy cells hence a radiotracer based on glucose will highlight cancerous areas. The radiologist will study the image produced by the computer and submit its results to a doctor.
Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) is an example of a glucose-based radiotracer, in which radioactive fluoride molecules are tagged to glucose to create a radiotracer. Today, FDG is the most widely used radiotracer. Oxygen can also be used in place of glucose.
When do doctors use it?
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Heart disease
- Medical research
A PET scan is an outpatient procedure that requires the patient to avoid food and caffeine for at least 4 to 6 hours before the scan. The doctor injects radiotracer into a vein, which may take 30-90 minutes to reach the targeted part of the body. The scan takes place in a designated room, with the patient lying down on a cushioned examination table.
How much time does it take?
A PET scan ought to last between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on which portion of the body is to be scanned.
This procedure is not painful. If the person becomes ill, they can press a buzzer to notify the medical team. During the scan, they will be observed by a trained professional.
The majority of people can go as soon as the scan is completed. It is essential to drink plenty of liquid to flush radioactive drugs out of the body's system as quickly as possible.
What are the risks associated with this test?
PET scans use radioactive material, posing radiation exposure risks. While benefits outweigh the risks, they are not suitable for everyone, such as pregnant women. Nursing women should follow doctor's instructions on safe breastfeeding or pumping. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should inform their doctor before PET scans. Post-scan, individuals may need to stay away from pregnant, infants, or young children due to radioactivity risks.
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