However, there are very few risks associated with a PET scan.
It also explains the possible risks and what the PET test results mean.
The patterns of these changes can help diagnose different diseases.
Illustration by Emily Roberts, Verywell
PET scans use various radioactive drugs called radiotracers that are injected into your bloodstream.
With that being said, not all cancers can be detected by PET.
The test is performed by a nuclear medicine technologist.
A nurse may also be on hand.
Six hours before the scan, you will need to stop eating altogether.
Four hours beforehand, insulin or any other diabetes medications would also need to be stopped.
Some variations of the test can take longer, particularly if a PET-CT or PET-MRI is performed.
Risks and Contraindications
A PET scan is painless and poses few risks.
Claustrophobia may be a concern for some patients.
If being placed inside the tube-like machine makes you nervous, let your healthcare provider know.
Image quality may be degraded if weight and size limits are exceeded.
Moreover, the radiotracer dose may not be adequate to achieve a quality image if you are extremely overweight.
Newer multidetector scanners can overcome some of these concerns.
A few manufacturers are also offering units with chambers as large as 30.5 inches (78 centimeters).
you’ve got the option to prepare by pumping enough breastmilk beforehand or using bottled formula.
On the other hand, a PET-CT scan may not be appropriate if you are pregnant.
Always let your healthcare provider know if you are pregnant or nursing before a PET scan.
If your glucose levels are high, the radiotracer will not be taken up efficiently in cells.
While this may be suggestive of cancer, there may be other explanations as well.
Expert interpretation by anoncologistandlab pathologistis needed.
By contrast, areas with less radiotracer uptake are known as “cold spots.”
It involves a radioactive tracer that is injected into your bloodstream.
The scanner measures metabolic activity based on how much or little of the tracer is taken up by cells.
PET scans can be used to detect different types of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders.
International Atomic Energy Agency.Standard Operating Procedures for PET/CT: A Practical Approach for Use in Adult Oncology.
University of California, San Francisco.PET/CT Scan: How to prepare, what to expect, and safety tips.
International Atomic Radiation Agency.Radiation protection of patients during PET/CT scanning.
Nihon Hoshasen Gijutsu Gakkai Zasshi.
