This article explores what is inside a PET scanner. Positron emission tomography is at the forefront of medical technology. In fact, PET scanners consist of multiple technologies working in sync to aid in diagnosis. The components of a PET scanner work to detect areas of hypermetabolism in the anatomy. This article helps illustrate the components in a PET scanner.
What is a PET Scan?
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a modality of nuclear medicine that traces and highlights regions of heightened metabolic process in the body.
Prior to the PET scan, the patient is given a small dose of a positron-emitting radionuclide, or a PET tracer. It takes 30 minutes to an hour to metabolize into the body depending on the area to be studied.
An image is produced when the detector modules sense pairs of gamma rays that are produced as a result of the higher concentration of radionuclide tracer in areas of the body that have elevated metabolic levels. PET applications computers allow the data to be reconstructed in many different image formats, including 3-D rendering and axial slices.
A PET Scan can be performed on a standalone PET scanner, but is most often paired and integrated with a CT scan or an MRI scan to provide the most accurate and detailed images possible.
How do PET scanners work?
Prior to a PET scan, the patient is given a small dose of a positron-emitting radionuclide, or a PET tracer. It takes 30 minutes to an hour to metabolize into the body depending on the area to be studied. An image is produced when the detector modules in the PET scanner sense pairs of gamma rays that are produced as a result of the higher concentration of radionuclide tracer in areas of the body that have elevated metabolic levels. PET applications computers allow the data to be reconstructed in many different image formats, including 3-D rendering and axial slices. A PET Scan can be performed on a standalone PET scanner, but is most often paired and integrated with a CT scan or an MRI scan to provide the most accurate and detailed images possible.
What Is Inside a PET Scanner?
Components Inside a PET Scanner
A PET scanner utilizes a series of detectors to map gamma ray coincidences. However, a standalone PET scan can often be unclear and can be difficult to distinguish precise location of anatomical structure. As a result, PET scanners are often paired with CT scanners or MRI scanners.
In the video seen below, we can see a PET system paired with a CT System. The upper portion of the ring of detector modules can be seen in the rear of the gantry. The CT system sits in the foreground.
The PET scanner rear trailer manages scan data in addition to housing the radioactive calibration pin. The rear portion of a PET scanner is constructed of a lead-lined casing. This prevents radiation leakage during non-operation.
PET QA scans use the radioactive pin to fine-tune detector modules. Of course, the calibration pin decays over time. This results in replacement of calibration pin at regular intervals.
PET Scan Preparation Tips
Patients are asked to follow a low-carbohydrate diet for a period of 24 hours prior to a PET scan. In the 6 hours prior to the exam, the patient should not eat or drink anything except water. It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing that does not contain any metal near the area to be examined. Hospital gowns are often provided to accommodate any clothing that might interfere with image quality.
Patients are typically asked to check in 1.5 hours prior to exam to fill out all necessary paperwork before starting the procedure.
PET tracer (contrast medium) is administered one hour prior to the start of the exam. The procedure will typically begin with a scout scan from a CT scan or MRI scan and proceed to the PET scan.
The patient will be asked to lie still during the procedure for best image quality. MRI, CT, and PET systems do not cause any pain to the patient being examined and produce amazing high-resolution images to help with the diagnosis of patient conditions.
PET Scan FAQ
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.
PET Scanners (Positron Emission Tomography) have revolutionized our healthcare system. These diagnostic imaging systems help to detect areas of heightened metabolic action. Once overlayed with a CT scan, radiologists receive an accurate portrait of the anatomy.
PET images are digitally reconstructed by the imaging computers in the operator console within seconds of ending the PET exam. The images can be viewed by your technologist at the completion of your exam but can only be read by a Radiologist to diagnose any condition. Images are immediately sent to PACS and are available for the Radiologist to view. Results are typically forwarded to General Practitioner and available to the patient within 24 – 48 hours.
Conclusion
In conclusion, PET scanners contain an array of components that synchronize to produce 3D images of the anatomy. Moreover, the detector modules seen in PET scanner detect gamma ray coincidences to map out areas of heightened metabolic activity.
Additional Resources
MRI vs PET Scanner: Which is best for you?
Top Questions Asked by Patients Prior To PET Scan
PET articles sorted by category
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