What is a PET/CT scan? This advanced nuclear imaging technique combines positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) into once machine. A PET/CT scan reveals information about both the structure and function of cells and tissues in the body during a single imaging session. During a PET/CT scan, the patient is first injected with a glucose (sugar) solution that contains a very small amount of radioactive material. The substance is absorbed by the particular organs or tissues being examined. The patient rests on a table and slides into a large tunnel-shaped scanner.
http://www.cancercenter.com/treatments/pet-ct-scan/
A brain positron emission tomography (PET) scan is an imaging test of the brain. It uses a radioactive substance called a tracer to look for disease or injury in the brain. A PET scan shows how the brain and its tissues are working.
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007341.htm
A PET scan requires a small amount of radioactive material (tracer). This tracer is given through a vein (IV), usually on the inside of your elbow. Or you breathe in the radioactive material as a gas. The tracer travels through your blood and collects in organs and tissues.
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007341.htm
Principle and Procedure. A CT scan relies on a series of X-rays and is usually completed within 5-10 minutes. On the other hand, a PET scan takes anywhere between 2 to 4 hours. The basic principle behind a CT scan relies on the reconstruction of a three dimensional image of an organ, by a computer.
http://www.diffen.com/difference/CT_Scan_vs_PET_Scan
How a PET scan is done. A PET scan is usually done as an outpatient procedure in the nuclear medicine department of a hospital or specialized PET scan centre. The test takes 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on whether a single organ or the whole body is scanned.
http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/diagnosis-and-treatment/tests-and-procedures/positron-emission-tomography-pet-scan/?region=on
A PET scan may be done to: 1  diagnose cancer (in certain cases) 2  determine the stage (find out how far the cancer has spread and if it is present in other organs and tissues)  PET scan is used if other imaging tests are unclear, inconclusive or surgical procedures are not possible.
http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/diagnosis-and-treatment/tests-and-procedures/positron-emission-tomography-pet-scan/?region=on
1 The PET scanner looks like a large, doughnut-shaped scanner, similar to a CT scanner. 2  The person sits or lies down on the exam table and is asked to stay very still.  Sometimes PET scan can be done along with CT or MRI.
http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/diagnosis-and-treatment/tests-and-procedures/positron-emission-tomography-pet-scan/?region=on
About 1 hour after the injection, the PET scan is done. 1  The PET scanner looks like a large, doughnut-shaped scanner, similar to a CT scanner. 2  The person sits or lies down on the exam table and is asked to stay very still.  Sometimes PET scan can be done along with CT or MRI.
http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/diagnosis-and-treatment/tests-and-procedures/positron-emission-tomography-pet-scan/?region=on
CT Scan vs. PET Scan. CT scan (computer tomography) and PET scan (positron emission tomography) are different but related imaging techniques. A PET scan uses nuclear medicine imaging to produce a three-dimensional picture of functional processes in the body.
http://www.diffen.com/difference/CT_Scan_vs_PET_Scan
Why the Test is Performed. A PET scan can show the size, shape, and function of the brain, so your doctor can make sure it is working as well as it should. It is most often used when other tests, such as MRI scan or CT scan, do not provide enough information. This test can be used to: Diagnose cancer.
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007341.htm
what is done with a pet scan
A brain positron emission tomography scan is an imaging test of the brain.