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Procedure
Primer
presents
End Tour
Procedure
Primer
Roughly 30–60 minutes before a person gets a PET scan, a healthcare professional will insert an IV line into a vein, usually in their hand or arm. They will inject a small amount of radioactive material through the line into the person's body. This may cause a brief cold sensation. Cancer cells tend to absorb more of this radioactive tracer than other cells. This helps the cancer show up more clearly on a scan.
Injecting a radioactive tracer
When a healthcare professional schedules a PET scan for someone, they will share instructions for getting ready. They may ask the person to avoid strenuous exercise for a day or two, avoid eating for several hours, and avoid applying lotion before the scan. When the person arrives for the scan, they may receive instructions to empty their bladder, change into a hospital gown, and
remove any jewelry or other metal objects.
Getting ready beforehand
During the scan, the radiology technician or technologist will step into a side room. The person receiving the scan will be able to see them through a window and talk with them through a microphone and speakers. After the scan, a radiologist will review and share the results, which may take a couple of weeks to become available. The person can ask questions about their results at a follow-up appointment.
Asking questions and learning about the results
When it is time for the scan, a radiology technician or technologist will ask the person to lie on a padded table that slides into a PET scanner. The scanner will use a special camera to create images of their body. The person must lie very still during the scan, which will take about 20–45 minutes.
The scanner will make buzzing and clicking noises.
Conducting the scan
Some people find the small, enclosed space
inside the scanner uncomfortable. Anyone who experiences claustrophobia or anxiety during scans can discuss this with their healthcare team.
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