PET/CT

A PET/CT scan is an imaging procedure that helps physicians evaluate how body tissues metabolize glucose (a type of sugar in the blood). The patient receives an injection of a radioactive glucose tracer. As it decays, the tracer emits particles known as positrons. The PET/CT scan measures the rate of decay to determine how quickly glucose is used in various body tissues. For example, cancer cells, which grow more quickly than normal cells, use glucose more quickly than surrounding healthy tissues. In PET scans of the brain, the tracer “lights up” areas of the brain that are active during various mental functions.

Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital conducts more than 400 PET/CT tests each year. For the comfort and convenience of our patients, we use a state-of-the-art GE Discovery ST Scanner, which can accommodate larger patients than most scanners.

For more information about PET/CT procedures and exams, visit www.radiologyinfo.com