Positron emission tomography (PET) – how is the test performed?

What is a pet examination?

Positron emission tomography (PET) is an advanced diagnostic technique that allows for imaging the metabolic activity of tissues in the patient’s body.

It is an extremely useful tool in medicine, enabling the precise location and characterization of various disease lesions.

What does a pet test detect?

PET allows the detection of metabolic changes in the patient’s body. It is particularly useful in cancer diagnosis because it can identify areas of the body where cells are growing faster than normal. In addition, PET scanning can be used to assess brain and heart function and to diagnose various neurological and cardiological diseases.

What are the indications for positron emission tomography?

PET scanning is usually recommended when various diseases are suspected or monitored, such as cancer, heart disease, neurological diseases, or respiratory diseases. Indications for a PET scan are determined by the doctor based on the patient’s individual situation and the results of other diagnostic tests.

Do I need to prepare for a pet examination?

Yes, there are certain guidelines for preparing for a PET scan. The patient should usually fast for a certain period of time before the examination, avoid physical exercise on the day of the examination and avoid eating products containing carbohydrates. It is also important to inform your doctor about any contraindications and possible allergic reactions.

How is positron emission tomography performed?

A PET scan involves giving the patient a small amount of a radioactive tracer that is bound to a chemical. After administering the tracer, the patient is placed on an examination table that moves through a ring of PET detectors. As the table moves, the detectors record the positron emission from the tracer in the patient’s body. Based on this data, the computer creates a three-dimensional image of the metabolic activity of tissues.

Pet – side effects. Are there any contraindications to performing the test?

A PET scan is relatively safe, but there are some contraindications, such as pregnancy and breastfeeding, that may need to be considered before the test is performed. However, the diagnostic benefits usually outweigh the potential risks. Side effects are rare and the radiation dose is low, which limits the occurrence of side effects.

Your suggestions

If you have any concerns or questions about a PET scan, it is always a good idea to consult your doctor or nuclear radiology specialist. This will help you understand the procedure, preparation and results of the test.

Recommended articles

If you are interested in more information about diagnostic imaging and radiological techniques, we recommend reading articles on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

PET scanning is a valuable tool in medical diagnostics, allowing for the accurate localization and characterization of disease lesions. With proper preparation and understanding of the procedure itself, it can help in the early detection and treatment of many diseases.