Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
ECT (Emission Computed Tomography), PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Scan
Test Overview
Positron emission tomography (PET) is a test that uses a special type of camera and a tracer (radioactive chemical) to look at organs in the body.
During the test, the tracer liquid is put into a vein (intravenous, or IV) in your arm. The tracer moves through your body, where much of it collects in the specific organ or tissue. The tracer gives off tiny positively charged particles (positrons). The camera records the positrons and turns the recording into pictures on a computer.
PET scan pictures do not show as much detail as computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) because the pictures show only the location of the tracer. The PET picture may be matched with those from a CT scan to get more detailed information about where the tracer is located.
A PET scan is often used to find cancer, to check blood flow, or to see how organs are working.
Access to PET scans is very limited in Canada and regulated by provincial health plans. Most provincial health plans cover PET scans only for some cancer patients. Use of PET for other diseases, such as ones that affect the brain and heart, is expanding in Canada but is not yet covered by most provincial health plans. Special requests to get a PET scan can be made on your behalf through your local provincial health insurance plan.
See pictures of a PET scanner
and PET scans of the brain
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| Author: | Douglas Dana Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS | Last Updated: November 12, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Paul D. Traughber, MD - Radiology Kenneth B. Sutherland, CD, BSc, MD, FRCPC - Diagnostic Radiology | |
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| Topic Contents | |
 | Test Overview |
| Why It Is Done | |
| How To Prepare | |
| How It Is Done | |
| How It Feels | |
| Risks | |
| Results | |
| What Affects the Test | |
| What To Think About | |
| References | |
| Credits | |