A PET (positron emission tomography) scan results in an image that allows a physician to check the body for the presence of disease. Prior to testing, radioactive tracers are given to the patient via injection. The tracer is absorbed by the internal organs.
What Is PET CT Scanning?
A PET scan is a type of imaging that uses radioactive material to assist in diagnosing a disease, determining the severity of the disease and treating the disease. This field of medicine, known as nuclear medicine, can help diagnose cancer, heart disease, neurological disorders and more. PET allows the doctor to identify the disease in the early stages.
Other than for injecting the tracer material, the entire process is non-invasive and painless.
A full body PET scan in Glendale CA is performed to detect the prescience of cancer and to determine how cancer has spread within the body. A full body scan is also helpful in determining how cancer responds to treatment.
How Does a Full Body PET Scan Work?
A full body PET scan is a test that is usually performed on an outpatient basis. The tracer will be administered by a technologist; it takes about 60 minutes to be absorbed by the tissue that the doctor wishes to examine. Once the tracer has been absorbed, you will be placed on a table, and the scan will begin. The scan will take about 30 minutes during which you must stay perfectly still.
The resulting image will be studied by a radiologist; the interpretation is sent to your doctor.
A full body PET scan in Glendale CA provides the doctor with greater detail, and the test is very accurate with far less room for error. Visit Glendale MRI for more information.
