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What is a PET scan?
PET scans, or positron emission tomography, utilize a dye that contains radioactive tracers to take detailed images of your body and to look for internal abnormalities.
What is a PET scan for?
Doctors often order PET scans to screen for evidence of cancers, heart or brain abnormalities, or other conditions.
How long does a PET scan take?
These painless scans typically take 30-45 minutes to complete.
Types of Protocols
Protocols are the details and plans that describe how a specific procedure will be performed. For PET scans, this usually refers to whether or not the PET scan will be performed in conjunction with a CT scan.
If you already have a referral, the type of protocol you need should be written directly on it. If you don’t have a referral, you can book one through Tripment Health.
With CT scan – This protocol is for a PET scan that also includes a CT scan. CT scans use X-rays to take pictures of your body and put them together to create a 3D picture. Combining PET and CT scans can create a much more detailed and reliable picture of what’s going on inside your body.
Without CT scan – CT scans use X-rays to take pictures of your body and put them together to create a 3D picture. Combining PET and CT scans can create a much more detailed and reliable picture of what’s going on inside your body. However, this protocol is for a PET scan only.
Metabolic evaluation – PET scans can show metabolic changes and activity levels. Areas of high metabolic activity could indicate cancer, whereas areas of low or no metabolic activity could indicate blockages.
Perfusion, multiple studies at rest and/or stress – Perfusion PET scans are performed to show how well blood flows to the heart. This can be used to diagnose heart disease.
Perfusion, single study at rest and/or stress – Perfusion PET scans are performed to show how well blood flows to the heart. This can be used to diagnose heart disease.
Preparation for Examination
PET scans, or positron emission tomography, utilize a dye that contains radioactive tracers to take detailed images of your body and to look for internal abnormalities. Doctors often order PET scans to screen for evidence of cancers, heart or brain abnormalities, or other conditions.
How do I prepare for a PET scan?
Your provider will likely ask you to refrain from consuming carbohydrates and sugars (such as those found in cereals, pasta, bread, fruit, honey, etc.) for 48 hours before your scan. Your doctor will give you a list of foods and drinks to avoid to help you prepare. For the 6 hours leading up to your procedure, you may be asked to fast and only drink water.
Need a Referral?
Diagnostic imaging can find fractures and broken bones, reveal infections and certain cancers before they spread, and help you live a longer, healthier life. Most diagnostic imaging services require a referral. Let us help you find one!
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PET FAQs
PET Scans typically take 30 - 45 minutes.
Prices vary based on the body part being scanned, what state you’re in, and whether you go to an inpatient or outpatient facility. They can range from $2,000 to $24,000. At Tripment Health, PET Scans start at $1,440.
PET Scans use radioactive tracers to reveal metabolic abnormalities. They can be used to detect heart disease, cancers, and brain disorders.
Though rare, some patients do report nausea, diarrhea, and headaches after receiving a PET Scan. These are due to the tracer that is injected, and the side effects typically disappear within 24 hours.
If you are getting a PET Scan of your brain, your provider may ask you to rest directly before the procedure. They might put you in a dark, quiet room so your brain is relaxed and does not receive much outside stimulation.
PET Scans are performed in a machine that looks similar to a closed MRI machine — the patient lies down on a table, which is then slowly moved into a doughnut-shaped scanner.
Whole-body PET Scans cost $3,000 - $12,000 without insurance, while heart PET scans can cost up to $24,000. At Tripment Health, PET scans start at $1,440, and insurance is never needed.