You will have a small injection of a radioactive substance. The injection enables the PET scanner to produce a picture which reveals important information and will assist the research team to learn more about your condition or treatment. What’s the difference between a PET scan and other imaging tests, such as CT and MRI? PET is a way of imaging how the body is functioning; this is different to CT and MRI, which are used to visualize the structure of the body.

PET (positron emission tomography) is a medical imaging technology that uses short-lived radionuclide tracers that are injected in a vein. The most common tracer used is a form of sugar. This is taken up by certain cells; especially cancer cells, but also in normal brain cells and normal heart muscle. This imaging technique is very sensitive for finding certain types of cancers and following their response to treatment. See similar questions...

If you are under a physician's care, you should follow your physician's recommendations for the frequency of having a PET scan. Typically, it is suggested that you have a follow-up scan at least every five years. Regardless of how advanced science becomes, however, it should be noted that a PET scan cannot replace the benefits of a clinical exam and evaluation performed by your physician. See similar questions...

PET can effectively pinpoint the source of many of the most common cancers and give physicians important early information about heart and neurological diseases, eliminating the need for redundant tests and diagnostic surgical procedures. See similar questions...

PC Financial pet insurance reimburses you for a large portion of your veterinary bills when you make a claim. You will pay your veterinarian upfront, submit your claim, and then receive your claim cheque in the mail. See similar questions...

During the examination, the rotating device spins around the patient, creating a fan-shaped beam of x-rays, and the detector takes snapshots of the beam after it passes through the patient. As many as one thousand of these pictures may be recorded in one turn of the detector. See similar questions...

No, there are no side effects to having a PET scan performed. The only pain involved is the needle prick when you receive the radiopharmaceutical injection and it doesn't differ from any other type of injection you might receive in its "pain quotient." See similar questions...

CT and MRI scans are anatomic imaging modalities, which means they look at the size and shape of organs and body structures. A PET scan is a metabolic imaging modality, which means it looks at function. The information collected from a PET scan is different from any other test that is available. See similar questions...

Because the radioisotope used in a PET scan is short- lived, the amount of radiation exposure the patient receives is the same as from two chest X-rays. See similar questions...

For a PET scan, a small amount of radioactivity is attached to biological substances that are similar to those already found in the body. These radioactive agents, once introduced into the body, are processed by organs and tissues as part of their normal function. The PET scanner is able to detect the location of the radiation in the body. A computer then creates a picture of the activity using colors to highlight the different levels of function. See similar questions...

Pet owners, and others who are unable to provide a home for pets, may choose to financially sponsor an animal at the Haven (either their own or one they like). Sponsors are welcome, and encouraged, to visit their sponsored pet at the Haven whenever they are able. To find a cat/kitten, come to the Haven between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on any day except Monday or Wednesday (open until 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays) or call the office to arrange a time. See similar questions...