At Northern Arizona Radiology we proudly offer a highly sophisticated hybrid PET/CT scanner for our patients.
Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) has been assimilated as one of the most important diagnostic modalities in cancer imaging.
Positron emission tomography, also called PET imaging or a PET scan, is a type of nuclear medicine exam which incorporates the benefits of computerized tomography (CT) and nuclear medicine to produce 3D images of the body’s organs and tissues.
Images are used to evaluate and treat a variety of diseases. PET scans are used most often to detect cancer in the body and to examine the effects of a cancer therapy. PET scans of only the brain can be used to evaluate patients who have memory or seizure disorders.
Positron emission tomography, also called PET imaging or a PET scan, is a type of nuclear medicine exam which incorporates the benefits of computerized tomography (CT) and nuclear medicine to produce 3D images of the body’s organs and tissues.
Images are used to evaluate and treat a variety of diseases. PET scans are used most often to detect cancer in the body and to examine the effects of a cancer therapy. PET scans of only the brain can be used to evaluate patients who have memory or seizure disorders.
PET imaging acquires images based on the detection of radiation emitted from a radioactive substance administered to the patient. The radioactive substance is attached, or tagged, to a natural body compound, most commonly glucose. Once this substance is administered to the patient via a small butterfly needle or intravenous catheter, the radioactivity localizes in the appropriate areas of the body and is detected by the PET scanner.
Different colors or degrees of brightness on a PET/CT image represent different levels of tissue or organ function which may be indicative of specific diseases.
PET imaging acquires images based on the detection of radiation emitted from a radioactive substance administered to the patient. The radioactive substance is attached, or tagged, to a natural body compound, most commonly glucose. Once this substance is administered to the patient via a small butterfly needle or intravenous catheter, the radioactivity localizes in the appropriate areas of the body and is detected by the PET scanner.
Different colors or degrees of brightness on a PET/CT image represent different levels of tissue or organ function which may be indicative of specific diseases.
A technologist will take you into a special injection room. In this room, a blood glucose will be drawn and a radioactive substance will be administered through the vein. The wait time pre-scan for most PET scans are approximately 30 to 60 minutes with few exceptions. During this time, you will be asked to rest quietly and avoid significant movement or talking. After that time scanning will begin. This may take 15 to 45 minutes.
Usually, there are no restrictions after the test, although you should drink plenty of fluids to flush the radioactive substance from your body.
A technologist will take you into a special injection room. In this room, a blood glucose will be drawn and a radioactive substance will be administered through the vein. The wait time pre-scan for most PET scans are approximately 30 to 60 minutes with few exceptions. During this time, you will be asked to rest quietly and avoid significant movement or talking. After that time scanning will begin. This may take 15 to 45 minutes.
Usually, there are no restrictions after the test, although you should drink plenty of fluids to flush the radioactive substance from your body.
PET is usually done on an outpatient basis. You should:
We understand that people looking for various exams may have a lot of questions, please do not hesitate to contact us so that we can walk with you during this trying time.
