Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
Getting a positron emission tomography (PET) scan can help your doctor better understand how well blood supply is reaching your heart. It also helps evaluate the metabolic activity of your heart, such as blood flow and oxygen use. This can help your doctor better understand your health and the best treatment options to help you feel better.
What is a PET scan?
A PET scan involves injecting a small amount of a radioactive chemical into your arm to create images. The small amount of radioactive material will not harm your body or organs and causes minimal side effects.
Except for the IV we use to inject the radioactive material into your body, a PET scan is noninvasive. You won’t need surgery or a catheter.
We often use a PET scan to identify:
- Coronary artery blockages
- Scarring from past heart attacks
- Areas of your heart that could recover if you have coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery or a cardiac catheterization procedure
Let you doctor know in advance if you can’t lie still for 25 minutes or if you're claustrophobic. They might prescribe a muscle relaxant to help you relax during the scan.
Prior to the procedure, you'll see your physician for personalized guidelines to prepare including:
- Refraining from eating or drinking anything before your procedure
- How to get ready for your procedure including any medications you may need to stop taking
- Avoiding strenuous exercise such as running or weight training for 24 hours before the scan
- Answering your questions and concerns
Be sure to be on time for your PET scan. This is important because the radioactive tracer we insert in your arm is made specifically for you and it has a very short expiration period. Wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal buttons, zippers or underwire, or you can change into a hospital gown for your scan.
A PET scan typically takes 30 to 90 minutes.
During the procedure, a technologist will place an IV line into your arm. We’ll then inject a small amount of radioactive tracer called fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) that will help us take detailed pictures of your body. You won't feel the tracer or its movement.
After a waiting period, we begin the scan. The scanner moves and takes pictures around you. A computer then captures the pictures so your doctor can review them.
You’ll probably be thirsty, so be sure to drink plenty of liquids after your scan. You also can take any medications you withheld before the test.
Generally, we send test results to your doctor the following work day. Your doctor will get in touch with you to share the results.
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