What is P.E.T.?

P.E.T. is the acronym for Positron Emission Tomography. Developed 25 years ago, this remarkable technology is now considered essential in the evaluation of cancer, myocardial viability, and various neurological disorders.

The basic principle is the labeling of biologically important molecules, such as glucose, with a trace amount of radioactivity. Once administered to a patient, these radioactive tracers concentrate at sites of malignancy. The overwhelming majority of tumors preferentially concentrate these tracers in much higher amounts as compared to normal tissues. Sophisticated P.E.T. scanners and computers allow images to locate sites of malignancy — often weeks to months before they become apparent on standard radiographs, including CT and MRI.

P.E.T. has demonstrated efficacy in the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of therapy in most malignancies. It is safe, cost-effective, and extremely accurate. In addition to cancer, P.E.T. is valuable in the determination of myocardial viability and assessing certain neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and seizure foci.

How is a P.E.T. Scan Performed?

Preparation
• NPO for six hours (medications and water are okay)
• Comfortable, warm clothing (no undressing necessary)
• Bring all pertinent x-rays, CTs, MRIs, and lab studies to facility
• Our physicians will help prepare diabetic patients
• Administration of tracer
• Peripheral IV placed
• Blood sugar measured (should be less than 150 mg)
• Inject tracer (fluorodeoxyglucose, FDG)
• Safe, no contraindications
• Radiation similar or less than standard diagnostic tests
• Remove IV

Uptake Phase
• Patients rest comfortably for 45-60 minutes, while tracer concentrates
• May read or visit with family members
• Will feel completely normal – tracer is not a dye or drug (it is glucose)

Imaging
• Scanner time averages 50 minutes
• No removal of clothes, dye injection, breath-holding, or narrow tunnel
• When finished, discharge from center without restrictions

Analysis/Reporting of Results
• Our dedicated physician(s) review all studies within 24 hours
• Preliminary report issued within 24 hours or by next working day
• All doctors involved in the patient’s care will receive copies of the report
• Actual images are provided as appropriate