Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

ECT (Emission Computed Tomography), PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Scan

What Affects the Test

Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:

• Being pregnant. A PET scan is not usually done during pregnancy because the radiation could harm the unborn baby (fetus).
• Using caffeine, tobacco, or alcohol in the past 24 hours.
• Not being able to lie still for the test.
• Being too anxious.
• Using sedatives.
• Taking medicines, such as insulin, that change your metabolism.

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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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