PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Scan

Detecting Disease at the Earliest Stage

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Overview

A positron emission tomography (PET) scan uses a special camera and a substance called a tracer to look at organs in your body. These scans can help identify a range of conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and brain disorders. PET scan images can detect cellular changes in organs and tissues earlier than other imaging tests such as CT scans and MRIs.

Our PET Scan Locations

Why Do I Need a PET Scan?

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You may be prescribed a PET scan if your doctor wants to look more closely for:

Cancer, including lung, thyroid, and breast cancer
Cardiovascular disease, for example, coronary artery disease
Brain disease and neurological disorders, such as dementias and seizures

Before your PET scan, you will receive an IV injection of a radioactive drug called a tracer, which is absorbed by certain organs and tissues. A PET scanner uses the tracer to show both normal and abnormal metabolic activity.

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919-684-7999

Preparing for Your PET Scan

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The PET Scan Machine
A PET scanner is shaped like a ring or donut. You will lie on a table that glides slowly into the machine as the scan is conducted. Your doctor may order a PET scan and CT scan at the same time. A combined PET-CT produces 3D images that can help your doctor to make a more accurate diagnosis.

PET Scan Safety and Comfort
Tell your doctor if being in an enclosed space makes you anxious. You may be able to take a mild sedative to help you relax during the procedure. The tracer used for the scan does not have side effects and will not make you feel different. Your body will eliminate it quickly after the test. Drinking extra fluids for 24 hours after the scan can help flush the tracer out of your body. The risks of getting a PET scan are minimal compared to the benefits of diagnosing serious medical conditions.

Getting Ready for Your PET Scan
Wear warm, comfortable clothes without zippers, buttons, or metal. Depending on the part of the body being scanned and the tracer used, you may have dietary or other restrictions. Duke MyChart or your provider will give you detailed instructions on how to prepare for your scan. In most cases, you should not eat or drink for four hours before your PET scan time. This includes gum, mints, hard candies, and cough drops. You may drink water but nothing else. Do not exercise or have any caffeine for 12 hours before your scan time. If you have diabetes and take insulin, do so at least four hours before you arrive for your PET scan.

The PET Scan Process

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The entire PET scan process takes about two hours. This allows time for IV insertion, tracer injection through your IV, tracer absorption, and the PET scan.

Tracer Injection
If necessary, before your PET scan, your technologist will insert an IV catheter into a vein in your hand or arm. You will receive an IV injection of a tracer that contains a safe amount of a radioactive drug. You will relax for about an hour while your body absorbs the tracer. If you are getting a PET-CT scan, you may also be given an oral solution (contrast) to drink and or an injection of contrast through your IV.

During the Scan
You will be asked to remove metal items including jewelry and belt buckles. You may need to change into a gown. You will lie on a table, which will slowly move through the PET scan machine. You may hear clicking and whirring noises as images are generated. It is important to lie still because movement can cause blurry images. Your technologist may ask you to hold your breath for short periods or change position during the scan. Depending on your medical condition, you may have a full-body scan, or a partial-body scan. Once the PET scan begins, it will take about 30 minutes.

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Getting Your Results

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Once your PET scan is complete, your images are interpreted by a radiologist -- a doctor trained in medical image interpretation. Your report and images will be available through Duke MyChart for you to discuss with your doctor.

Since you will be able to access your results as soon as they are available, you may see them in MyChart before your doctor has had a chance to look at them and explain them to you. If you prefer not to see your results before your doctor, let them know. They can request a delay in sending your information to MyChart until you have the chance to talk with them.

Experts in PET Scan Technology

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A team of radiologists, medical physicists, and specially trained technologists and nurses work together to ensure your PET scan is safe and high-quality. We are accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR), meaning we provide the highest level of safety and image quality. Our scanners also undergo rigorous internal quality control, which exceeds even the high ACR standards. These accreditations and quality control programs demonstrate our commitment to providing you with the best experience possible.

This page was medically reviewed on 02/14/2021 by

Andrew J. Armstrong, MD, MSc | Medical Oncologist