PET scan

A PET scan is a type of imaging test that creates pictures of the inside of the body. A chemical called a "radioactive tracer" is injected into 1 of your veins. It travels through your bloodstream and is absorbed by your organs, tissues, and bones. Then, a scanner with a special camera takes pictures. PET scans are sometimes combined with a CT or MRI.

For a PET scan, you lie on a narrow table that moves inside the machine. The technologist is not in the room with you, but they are nearby and can see and talk to you.