PET Scan(Positron Emission Tomography)

This scan lets doctors see inside your body. A PET
scan is different from an MRI or a CT scan,
because it shows how your organs and systems are
working. It can give doctors a clear view of some
types of cancer cells, which show up brightly on a
PET scan. It can also help doctors diagnose other
disorders throughout your body. If you have questions
on how your insurance covers this please call us
at 509-443-5416.

Before you have a PET scan, you have to remove
your glasses, jewelry, and other metal items. You
may be given a gown to wear and medicine to relax
you. You may be given a special dye to drink, or
given it through an IV needle or other method. The
dye helps the scanner see things in your body more
clearly. You'll wait about an hour as the dye is
absorbed into your system.

To begin your scan, you lie on a table that slides
into the opening of the PET scanner. The scanner
is shaped like a ring. When it starts, you hear
buzzing, clicking and whirring noises. The table
slowly moves through the scanner. You must stay
perfectly still so the machine can get a clear view. A
scan usually takes about half an hour. If you move
during the scan, the images will be blurry and it
may need to be redone. A technician in a room next
to you will watch you and the images being taken.
The technician will talk to you through a speaker to
let you know what is happening during your scan.

When your PET scan is done, you can go home.
Doctors will review the images and will talk to you
about them at a followup appointment.