POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY (PET)

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a sophisticated imaging technique that helps in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases, particularly cancer. PET scans, which are painless and non-invasive, are designed to accurately image the cellular activity of organs and tissues in the body.

PET scanning provides a more complete picture, making it to diagnose problems, determine the extent of disease, prescribe treatment and track progress. In many cases, a PET scan can help identify disease earlier and more specifically than ultrasound, x-ray, MRI or CT scans. It can also have cost-saving benefits because it could potentially eliminate the need for redundant diagnostic tests and sometimes eliminating the need for more invasive procedures like biopsies or other surgeries.

PET Explained

To provide information about the function of tissues and organs, the information needed is of a molecular nature. All cellular activity is governed by the use of nutrients, which the cell can convert into energy. The most common form of nutrient for cellular function is glucose. Cells convert glucose into energy, so they can perform cellular functions. To "see" this cellular function, we inject of a tiny amount of a radioactive glucose into patients before their scan.

As the glucose circulates throughout the body, the organs and tissues begin to use the glucose. The more active or rapidly dividing cells (such as those of a cancer) take up the radioisotope in large quantities, while other less active cells don't use as much. As the radioisotope begins to decay, it emits a tiny burst of energy that is detected by the PET scanner.

PET images can also be fused with CT, MRI and ultrasound images (for studies taken within 30 days), providing physiologic information linked to an anatomical site.

What patients can I expect during a PET scan.

It’s important for you patients to know that the radiopharmaceutical will be made especially for them and flown to Anchorage on the day of their appointment. That’s why it is very important that they keep the appointment and follow their prep instructions.

During the exam, the patient will taken into one of our "quiet rooms" where a technologist administers the radioactive glucose, via intravenous injection.

It will then take approximately 45-60 minutes for the substance to travel through their body and be absorbed by the tissues or organs we want to study. During this time, patients simply relax.

During the scan, patients lie on the scanner table, remain still, for the duration of the test (about 30-60 minutes).

Once the test is complete, patients may leave the center and resume your normal activities.

PET Exam Prep.

View and download our Patient Prep Instructions for PET. Please let us know if you need to discuss any concerns regarding your patient’s needs.

Getting The Report

IAP board-certified radiologists interpret the test results and fax providers a preliminary report. Within 24 hours, IAP will send the official written report.