New Technology:

PET Scanning

PET stands for Positron Emission Tomography and is a clinically proven molecular imaging technique that assists in the diagnosis, staging and management of some cancers, as well as the diagnosis and assessment of heart disease, seizure disorder, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other neurological diseases.

PET allows the physician to view large areas of the human body in a single scanning session and to produce images that cannot be obtained with other routine x-rays, CT, or MRI techniques. Unlike these other procedures which produce stationary images of body structures; PET tracks actual metabolic processes and body functions. This greatly enhances the ability to distinguish the diseased tissues from the normally functioning cells. PET scans are safe and can be performed in a few hours as an outpatient procedure.

To receive a PET scan, a patient is injected with radioactive glucose or another radioactive compound. The injected material is called a “tracer” and is distributed throughout the body. After the injection the patient waits for about 1 hour. Then, he or she lies on a scanning bed which is slowly moved through the scanner while it detects the injected tracer. Upon completion the scanned information is sent to a computer that generates the images. The PET scan provides a clear picture of how some body organs use the injected compound. The images are then reviewed by a specially trained physician and the results sent to the referring healthcare provider.

* This test information is intended for educational purposes only. This should not replace medical advice from your healthcare provider. Please call your healthcare provider if you have any medical questions concerning your health. For any questions regarding procedures, please contact Advanced Diagnostic P.C. office at 989-799-5699