Positron Emission Tomography, or PET, is a painless diagnostic test that gives doctors a unique view of your body's biological functions. A PET scan images your body's metabolic activity. Virtually all diseases alter the body's biochemical processes. PET can detect these changes in their earliest stages, often before symptoms appear.

During a PET scan, a radioactive substance called a tracer is combined with a chemical substance, such as glucose. When injected into the body, the tracer emits tiny, positively charged particles — called positrons — that produce signals. A special camera records the tracer's signals as it travels through the body and collects in organs. A computer then converts the signals into images of the examined organ.

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PET can detect biochemical changes in the body at the earliest stage of a disease, often before any symptoms appear. PET is of significant value in detecting certain cancers, neurological conditions, and cardiac diseases.

PET scans are safe for patients of all ages. As with any test involving radiation, there is always a slight risk of damage to tissue from being exposed to any radiation, including the low level of radiation released by the tracer. However, the risk of damage from the tracer is usually very low compared with the potential benefits.

A PET scan generally takes one to three hours to perform, depending on which organ is being studied and the type of radioactive tracer used. During the scan, you will lie on a table that is connected to a large scanner, a camera, and a computer. A baseline scan may be done, depending on the area being studied. This will take about 30 minutes. After any baseline scan, a radioactive tracer is administered, generally through an IV.

The PET scanner then rotates around the scan table and detects the radioactive tracer. Scanning is done over a period of time to provide sequences of images. It is important to remain motionless during a scan.

After the test, drinking liquids and urinating frequently over the next 24 hours will help flush the tracer out of the body.

Rapid results are essential not only for your peace-of-mind, but also for your physician to begin planning any necessary treatment. Experienced radiologists will read the scans and forward the results to your physician usually by the next business day.

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