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PET Scan - What Is It?


First of all, the science bit

The very charmingly-called PET scan stands for a positron emission tomography scan. It's a very specialised imaging technique that uses short-lived radioactive substances to produce three-dimensional coloured images of how those substances are functioning within the body.

The Layman's Version

During a PET scan, you will be injected with radioactive substances which have a very short lifespan, so cause little or no damage to your body.

The PET scanner is made up of complex electronic equipment which records gamma rays and, from these, provides an image of the area where the radioactive substances are located.

You may sometimes be required to have both a PET scan and a CT scan as this can provide more accurate imaging than using them separately.

Does it hurt and are there any risks?

A PET scan is a very low risk procedure - and totally painless into the bargain. The amount of radiation you will receive is about the same as two chest X-rays and the overall experience is very similar to having an X-ray.

When are PET scans used?

PET scanning provides information about the body's chemistry that can't be obtained through other procedures. They study metabolic activity or body functions and are used mostly in the fields of cardiology, neurology, and oncology for the following purposes:

  • To assess the benefit of coronary artery bypass surgery
  • To identify causes of childhood seizures and adult dementia
  • To detect and grade tumours
  • To view metabolic processes within the body

What to expect at your PET scan

You will be lying on a table that slides into the middle of the PET scanner. The entire process takes about 2 hours while the scan itself takes a few minutes, depending on the area of the body to be scanned.

Getting your results

After the PET scan is finished, a report is sent to your G.P. or to the consultant who requested the scan. Your G.P. or consultant can then discuss the results with you.

How to go about getting a PET scan

To have a PET scan, you need to be referred by your consultant. To claim the cost back, the reason for your scan must be included on the list of Clinical Indicators for PET scans and your consultant must authorise your scan with us in advance.

Hibernian Aviva Health covers more scan centres than any other health insurer. We have direct settlement arrangements with our approve centres so you don't have to submit a claim.

For a list of approved scan centres please visit the health provider search.