Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan
How does PET scan work?
Radioactive isotopes that emit positively charged electrons (radionucleotides) are incorporated in compounds used in the body. These radioactive isotopes include carbon-11, nitrogen-13, oxygen-15, and fluorine-18. In the body, the isotope releases the positron. Then the positron interacts with a negatively charged electron, and the two particles destroy each other. Once the two particles are destroyed, two gamma rays move away in opposite directions. Special equipment detects this gamma radiation and makes a picture for the doctor to examine. The radioactive material will build up where there is higher levels of chemical activity, which may indicate disease. These areas usually show up brighter on the PET scan images.
Risks and Limitations
There are very few risks and limitations using the PET scan. The main limitation to the PET scan is the high cost to produce the radioactive isotopes. Low radiation and low dose of the tracer is used, so there is no complications with radiation with the patient. However, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding can pass radiation on to their child through the radiotracer. It is very important to discuss with your doctor if you may be pregnant or breastfeeding.
Prepare for PET Scan
Usually, your doctor will let you know what you can eat or drink before a PET scan. Be sure to tell your doctor about any medication you are taking before the scan. Most patients are advised not to eat six hours before the exam and may be advised not to drink anything with caffeine before the exam. Not following instructions before the exam may cause incorrect results, which may result in the wrong diagnosis.
Alternative Methods
Some alternative methods in PET scan are X-ray computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), ultrasound, and single photon emission tomography (SPECT). Sometimes, the PET scan may be used with a CT scan or a MRI. Using these scans together helps the doctor get both anatomic and metabolic information to get a diagnosis.
Works Cited
"PET Scan." Cleveland Clinic. 9 Oct. 2009.
"Positron Emission Tomography." Wikipedia. 9 Oct. 2009. .
"Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan." Mayoclinic.com. 9 Oct. 2009. .
Sheir, David, Jackie Butler, and Ricki Lewis. Hole's Human Anatomy and Physiology. 11th. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2007. Print.
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