The PET scanning system is not dangerous and is harmless. PET scans effectively work by using a radioactive glucose injection. Firstly, a radioactive material called a radio tracer that’s combined with sugar, FDG (18-Fluorodeoxyglucose), is injected into the patient’s bloodstream or in some cases, swallowed or inhaled. The organs that are affected will process the FDG and as a result, the PET Scans will detect the radiation from those organs in the patient. This is because, the radio tracer in the body will be releasing positrons (positively charged particles) that the scanning system will read. The computer will then collect the information on the area where the positrons are and it translates it into two- or three- dimensional images of the body’s tissues and organs. These images can be combined with CT scan images to form ultimately one overall image. If anything is detected, further precautions will need to be taken and the PET Scans can be used for diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of disease.
(BY: Samantha Charles)
PET scans 