Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a diagnostic examination that involves the acquisition of medical images based on the detection of radiation from the emission of positrons. Positrons are tiny particles emitted from a radioactive substance administered to the patient. The subsequent images of the human body developed with this technique are used to evaluate a variety of diseases.
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PET uses a special type of camera and a radioactive tracer to look at organs in the body. During the test, the tracer is injected into a patient’s arm (using an IV). The tracer gives off tiny positively charged particles (positrons) that make signals. A camera records the tracer's signals as the tracer moves through the body and collects in organs. The camera's recordings are made into pictures on a computer. The CT portion of the PET/CT scan provides a detailed picture of the internal anatomy that reveals the location, along with size and shape of abnormal cancerous growths for example.
PET/CT has particular benefits and this combination imaging tool provides complete information on cancer location and metabolism. PET/CT scans are used most often to detect cancer and to examine the effects of cancer therapy by characterizing biochemical changes in the cancer. PET/CT scans can be performed on the whole body. For example, scans of the heart can be used to determine blood flow to the heart muscle and help evaluate signs of coronary artery disease. Scans of the brain can be used to evaluate patients who have memory disorders of an undetermined cause, suspected or proven brain tumors, or seizure disorders that are not responsive to medical therapy and are therefore candidates for surgery.
MIMA Radiology uses the GE Discovery ST equipment, which is located at the MIMA Cancer Center in Melbourne. We now offer Cardiac PET at our Hickory St. location!
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PET/CT at MIMA Radiology is accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR). The ACR awards accreditation to facilities for the achievement of high practice standards after a peer-review evaluation of the practice.
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