Positron Emission Tomography
PET
Description
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan is a test that helps doctors see how your body is working by using a small amount of radioactive tracer to look at how active your tissues and organs are. It’s often used to check for cancer, heart problems, or brain conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. A small amount of tracer is injected during the test, and the scanner captures detailed images of the active areas within your body. Before the test, your doctor will explain any preparation needed, like fasting, to ensure accurate results. If something unusual appears, it could indicate cancer, reduced blood flow, or changes in brain function. This test is especially useful for people experiencing unexplained weight loss, memory issues, or chest pain. The results help doctors confirm a diagnosis and plan the best treatment, like surgery, radiation, or more tests. Regular PET scans are helpful in keeping track of your health and managing ongoing conditions.
Procedure
Non-Invasive
Sample Type
No biological sample is needed for this test.
Test Category
Brain Function
Procedure Category
Scan
Units
Not Applicable
Test Groups
Imaging Scans Group: This group includes a variety of diagnostic imaging techniques used to visualize internal structures and organs in the body. These techniques may include X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine scans.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Result: Negative: No abnormalities detected.
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Result: Negative: No abnormalities detected.
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Abnormal results may indicate:
Alzheimer's disease (Neurodegenerative disorder causing cognitive decline)
Autoimmune encephalitis (Inflammation of the brain due to autoimmune response)
Brain tumors
Cardiomyopathy (Heart muscle disease)
Cerebral abscesses (Localized collection of pus in the brain)
Coronary artery disease (Narrowing or bl...
Key Reasons For Testing
Cancer Diagnosis and Staging: Detects abnormal metabolic activity, stages cancers, and assesses metastases.
Cardiac Assessment: Evaluates myocardial perfusion, metabolism, and viability in heart disease.
Neurological Disorders Evaluation: Diagnoses conditions like Alzheimer's and epilepsy by analyzing brain metabolism.
Infection and Inflammation Imaging: Localizes infections and inflammatory processes by d...
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
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