Prior to a PET scan, the patient is injected with a radioactive glucose (or similar tracer). Once injected, the patient will rest in a quiet room for approximately an hour, while the injection material distributes throughout the body and is processed by the organs being evaluated. The patient is then transferred to the scan room and positioned on the scanner table. The table with the patient will slowly pass through the PET scanner, which will detect and record the signals emitted by the tracers. The PET scan is performed with the patient's feet facing in toward the camera, so patients should not feel the effects of claustrophobia. Using a computer, the signals are then reconfigured into the images to be studied.

Patients scheduled for a PET scan should expect to be in the diagnostic imaging center for two to three hours. Patients must be able to lay flat for 60-90 minute intervals. Some patients fall asleep during the scan. There are no side effects to having a PET scan performed; patients should feel fine. The only pain involved is the needle prick from the injection of the tracer, which doesn't differ from any other type of injection. Patients having a heart scan may feel flushed afterward.

Shortly after the PET scan is completed, a qualified PET physician will interpret the images generated in the scan. Results will be transmitted to your referring physician, who can use the information to map the best course of treatment.

The Results
Your diagnostic results will be provided to your physician within 12-24 hours.