Is a PET scan head to toe?

Whole-body imaging means imaging from the top of the patient's head through the bottom of the feet or the so-called 'head-to-toes' scan. For most malignancies, the typical PET/CT imaging field is the skull base to the mid-thighs or the so-called 'eyes-to-thighs' scan.


Does your whole body go into a PET scan?

Scanning the whole body all at once

PET (positron emission tomography) is an extremely safe and powerful method for imaging inside the body, used to evaluate organs and other tissues for potential diseases, including cancer.

What body part is a PET scan?

In general, PET scans may be used to evaluate organs and/or tissues for the presence of disease or other conditions. PET may also be used to evaluate the function of organs, such as the heart or brain. The most common use of PET is in the detection of cancer and the evaluation of cancer treatment.


Why is PET scan eyes to thighs?

PET/CT scanning is typically done from the 'Eyes to Thighs'. Eyes to Thighs scanning is typically referred to as a 'Whole Body' scan as most cancers typically do not metastasize beyond the inguinal lymph nodes, which are in the patient's groin area.

What happens during a PET scan?

During a positron emission tomography (PET) scan, you lie on a narrow table that slides into a doughnut-shaped hole. The scanner takes about 30 minutes to produce detailed images of metabolic activity in your tissues and organs.


How does a PET scan work?



Can you fall asleep during a PET scan?

Then, the patient will be asked to lie on a table that passes slowly through the scanner. The scanner resembles a CT scanner, but has a much larger opening. Some people fall asleep during the scan.

Can I drive after PET scan?

After the PET-CT scan

You can do normal activities after the scan. This includes driving. The staff will tell you to drink several glasses of water. This helps wash the radioactive substance and dye out of your body.

How long does a full body PET scan take?

The entire PET scan process takes about two hours. It can take up to 60 minutes for your body to absorb the injected radiotracer. During this time, you'll need to sit quietly and limit your movements.


Do you have to put your arms above your head for a PET scan?

During the imaging scan, you will be required to lie flat with your arms raised above your head. If you think you will be unable to keep your arms above your head for approximately 35 minutes, please notify the technologist, and they may accommodate you.

What should you not do before a PET scan?

Do not eat or drink anything, except water, for 6 hours before the exam. You may drink water, as much water as you can would be helpful, until arrival. Routine medications may be taken, unless you have been instructed otherwise.

What is the difference between a PET scan and a full body scan?

They use different materials: CT scans pass x-rays through the body to create images. A PET scan uses a radioactive material which emits energy. The energy is then detected by a special camera to produce images. A PET scan is more time-consuming: A CT scan is performed in minutes.


Why do you have to rest before a PET scan?

You will need to wait at the facility for one to two hours so your body can absorb the tracer, and you should rest quietly during this period. Before the scan, you will have the opportunity to ask your technologist any questions you may have about the procedure.

How painful is PET scan?

Depending on which part of the body the machine needs to scan, a PET scan should take about 30–60 minutes. The scan is not painful. If the person feels unwell, they can press a buzzer to alert the staff.

Is a PET scan as claustrophobic as an MRI?

It is much less confining than an MRI. It is also very quiet and comfortable. Most claustrophobic patients have no difficulty with the procedure. However, if you are severely claustrophobic, you might ask your doctor to consider a mild sedative.


Is a PET scan open at both ends?

It is open at both ends and the table moves through the opening. Once in the opening, a quiet camera scans your body.

Do you wear a hospital gown for a PET scan?

Before the PET-CT scan

You may also need to change from your regular clothing into a hospital gown. Leave valuables at home, such as jewelry or a watch, so they don't get misplaced. You may need to remove anything that contains metal, such as eyeglasses, dentures, or hearing aids, during the test.

How do you flush your body after a PET scan?

Drink lots of fluids for the next 24 hours to help flush the tracer out of your body. Most of the tracer will be flushed from your body within 6 to 24 hours.


What cancers will a PET scan show?

PET scans can show solid tumors in the brain, prostate, thyroid, lungs, and cervix. The scans can also evaluate the occurrence of colorectal, lymphoma, melanoma, and pancreatic tumors. They are also used to assess if treatment is being effective in eliminating cancer.

Should you rest after a PET scan?

In most cases, you will need to rest before and after the injection of the radioactive material. For example, if you are having a brain PET scan, you will lie quietly in a darkened room before and after the injection to make sure your brain remains relaxed and is not stimulated by light, noise or reading.

Can you brush your teeth before a PET scan?

Can I brush my teeth before a PET/CT scan? Normal brushing without swallowing mouthwash or toothpaste within the four hour preparation timeframe will have no effect on the outcome of your PET/CT scan.


How long should you avoid people after a PET scan?

The radioactive tracer gives off very small levels of radiation that go away very quickly. As a precaution, you should avoid close contact with pregnant women, babies and young children for 6 hours after the scan. You need someone to take you home and stay overnight if you've had medicine to help you relax (sedative).

Can you pee before a PET scan?

If you're having a brain PET-CT, it is important to limit brain activity before your scan. Your nurse may tell you not to read or listen to music while you're waiting for your scan. Your care team will ask you to urinate (pee) just before your scan.

Does a PET scan pick up all cancers?

Not all cancers show up on a PET scan. PET scan results are often used with other imaging and lab test results. Other tests are often needed to find out whether an area that collected a lot of radioactive material is non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant).


Do you have to undress for a PET scan?

Specific protocols may vary, but generally a PET scan follows this process: You will be asked to remove any clothing, jewelry, or other objects that may interfere with the scan. If you are asked to remove clothing, you will be given a gown to wear.

How many hours after PET scan are you radioactive?

With a PET or a PET/CT scan, you will give off very low levels of radiation for around 6 hours afterwards. As a precaution, you should avoid being close to women who are pregnant during this time. It should also be safe to be around adult pets, as long as they are not pregnant.