What is Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scanners? Its uses and advantages?
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scanners |
A Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scanners is an imaging test that
uses radioactive substances to get images of internal organs. The tests help
doctors diagnose a variety of medical conditions, including cancers and brain
diseases. They are usually done along with CT or MRI scans to produce more
detailed images.
Positron
Emission Tomography (PET) Scanners are different from X-rays, CTs, or
MRIs in that they give information about blood flow and how body's cells use
oxygen and sugar. This helps diagnose certain diseases and can tell doctors how
a disease is progressing. A PET scan uses a radioactive tracer that is attached
to sugar molecules. The tracer and the sugar molecules are injected into the
body through an IV (intravenous) line. The tracers pass through the bloodstream
and are picked up by areas in the body that have a higher metabolic rate. This
helps the PET scanner create color-coded images of the body’s organs and
tissues.
A radioactive tracer (called a
radiopharmaceutical) is injected into the bloodstream or absorbed through the
skin. It emits gamma rays when it is in the body, and special cameras detect
them and use this information to create images of the organs and tissues. They
collect in areas of higher activity, such as areas where the body is using
drugs or metabolizing chemicals. These areas can show up as brighs t spots on a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scanners.
The radioactive substance can be a
drug or another chemical that is being tested. It can also be a naturally
occurring substance called a radioisotope. These natural substances are
radioactive and give off gamma rays when they’re absorbed by the body.
The test is generally safe for
patients of all ages. However, some people may need to wait before receiving
the test if they have certain medical conditions or medications. These people
are advised to drink lots of fluids to help flush the tracers from their
bodies.
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