Positron emission tomography
Introduction
Positron emission tomography ( PET) scans areusedto produce detailed three-dimensional imagesof the inside of the body.
The images can clearly show the part of the body being investigated, including any abnormal areas, and can highlight howwell certain functions of the body are working.
PET scans are often combined with computerised tomography (CT) scans to produce even more detailed images. This is known as a PET-CT scan.
They may also occasionally be combined with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan . This is known as a PET-MRI scan.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 28 Nov 2016
Introduction
Positron emission tomography (PET) scans are used to produce detailed three-dimensional images of the inside of the body.
Why PET scans are used
An advantage of a PETscan is that itcan show how well certain parts of your body are working, rather that showing what it looks like. They'reparticularlyhelpful for investigating confirmed cases of c
How PET scans work
PET scanners work by detecting the radiation given off by a substance called a radiotracer as it collects in different parts of your body. In most PET scans a radiotracer called fluorodeoxyglucose (
What happens during a PET scan
PET scans are usually carried out on an outpatient basis. This means you won't need to stay in hospital overnight. It's important to arrive on time for your scan, as theradiotracer used has a short s
Are there any risks?
Any exposure to radiation carries a very small risk of potential tissue damage that couldlead tocancer at a later date. However, in a standard PET scan the amount of radiation you're exposed to issma
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