Positron Emission Tomography

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

Test Overview

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a test that uses a special type of camera and a special test medicine (radioactive tracer) to look at organs in the body.

During the test, the tracer is put into a vein (IV) in your arm. The tracer gives off tiny positively charged particles (positrons) that make signals. A camera records the tracer's signals as the tracer moves through the body and collects in organs. The camera's recordings are made into pictures on a computer.

PET scan pictures do not show as much detail as CT scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

A PET scan is often used to find cancer, to check blood flow, or to see how organs are working.

See an illustration of a PET scanner and PET scans of the brain .

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated January 10, 2006
Medical Review:	Paul D. Traughber, MD - Radiology Kenneth B. Sutherland, CD, BSc, MD, FRCPC - Diagnostic Radiology
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