PET is a type of nuclear medicine test. Nuclear medicine imaging tests use a special camera and tiny amounts of radioactive substances, called tracers. The test checks how well organs and other parts of your body are working. During the test, you’ll lie on a table that’s attached to a donut-shaped machine, called a PET scanner.

For more information on PET scans, choose a link below:

• Positron emission tomography​​
• Positron emission tomography scan: About this test

How to get ready for your PET scan

Instructions may vary depending on the type of PET scan you’re having. The instructions below explain how to get ready for your PET scan so it can be done safely and correctly.

Follow the instructions for your specific PET test carefully. If you have questions about the information on how to get ready for your test, call the imaging department where you are having your test.

Positron emission tomography scan instructions

• Brain patient instructions
• Cardiac patient instructions
• Cardiac viability patient instructions
• CETO patient instructions
• F-18 PSMA DOTATATE patient instructions
• FDOPA patient instructions​
  
• Sarcoid patient instructions​
  
• Whole body patient instructions​
  ​​​
  

PET scan with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Sometimes a PET scan is done at the same time as an MRI. MRI is a test that uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to make clear and detailed pictures of organs and structures inside your body.

• Brain enhanced patient instructions
• Brain non-enhanced patient instructions
• Enhanced patient instructions
• Non-enhanced patient instructions​​​​​​​​​

Your health, safety, and imaging tests

Some imaging tests use radiation, a contrast dye, or a tiny amount of radioactive substances, known as a tracer. Tests that use imaging to guide a procedure may also use medicine to numb an area or help you or your child relax or sleep. Your imaging team will watch you closely to keep you safe. If you have questions about safety, the test, or your health ask the imaging staff or your healthcare provider.

For more information on imaging tests and your health and safety, choose a link below:

• Checking your blood glucose (sugar) level when you’re in the hospital
• Continuous glucose monitors and imaging tests
• Learning about radiation exposure
• Pregnancy: Chemicals, cosmetics, and radiation
• Radiation exposure: Risks and health effects
• Sedation for a medical procedure: Care instructions
• Safety when you’re taking a known hazard medicine​