Positron Emission Tomography Scan

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A positron emission tomography scan is also called a PET scan. You may have a PET scan to take pictures of many body areas including the head, brain, neck, chest and abdomen. Before a PET scan, a small amount of radiation, called tracer, is put into your body. The tracer shows how chemicals, such as glucose, are working in your tissues. A PET scan may be done alone, or together with a computed tomography (CT) scan.
  
  
• If you have cancer, the scan may show the cancer stage, or if and where it has spread. The results of the scan can help you and your caregiver plan your treatment. The test may show an abnormal growth in your body, such as a tumor. If you have chest pain or trouble breathing, the scan may show what is causing your symptoms. A PET scan, with or without a CT scan can show swelling, infection, or disease in your chest, lungs or abdomen. The scan may show heart damage caused by a heart attack or heart disease. You may need a PET scan, with or without a CT scan, if you have tremors (shaking), or memory problems. A problem or disease, such as Parkinson or Alzheimer disease, may be found with this test. If you have seizures that medicine cannot control, your caregiver may order a PET scan of your head to see if surgery on your brain could stop them.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

• Small growths in the body may not be found with a PET scan. If the results are unclear, you may need another PET scan. There is a small chance that the radiation from the scan increases your risk of getting cancer. If you are female and are pregnant or breastfeeding, a PET scan may harm your baby.
  
  
• Without a PET scan, problems with your head, neck, chest, lungs, or abdomen, may not be found. If a problem is not found, you may not get the treatment you need. Without treatment, your medical problem could get worse, and you may die. Talk with your caregiver if you have questions about your PET scan, condition, or care.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Before your test:

• Informed consent: A consent form is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
  
  
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Tell your caregiver if you know or think you might be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding.
  
  
• Blood tests: Your caregiver will check how much sugar is in your blood. A blood sample may be taken from a fingertip, or a vein (blood vessel) in your hand or arm.
  
  
• IV: An intravenous (IV) tube is used to give you medicine or liquids. Caregivers will insert an IV into one of your veins.
  
  
• Medicine:
  
  
  • Sedative: This medicine is given to help you stay calm and relaxed.
    
    
  • Muscle relaxers: This is medicine to help your muscles relax.
    
    
  • Radiation (tracer): Caregivers put tracer in your IV. You must lie still for about an hour as the tracer moves through your body. Tell caregivers if you need to move during this time.

During your test:

Caregivers may ask you to urinate before your test. Caregivers help you lie down on a table that is attached to the PET scan machine. The table moves through a large round hole in the middle of the machine. You will need to lie still. Caregivers may ask you not to speak or move, however, you may be asked to change positions during the test. A camera takes pictures of your body, and caregivers look at the pictures on a computer. When the PET scan is over, the table moves out of the machine.

After your test:

Do not get up from the table until caregivers tell you to. When caregivers see that you are okay, you may be able to go home. If you are staying in the hospital, you will be taken to your room. If you are female and you are breastfeeding, do not breast feed right after the test. Talk to your caregiver about breastfeeding after your test.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Positron Emission Tomography Scan (Inpatient Care)