Imaging and Radiology

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

PET is a powerful diagnostic tool that, in many cases, renders answers that other imaging tests may not provide. This non-invasive procedure helps physicians with their diagnosis and treatment of some types of cancer, heart disease, and diseases associated with the brain. Biochemical changes are detected by a PET scan after a compound that contains radioactive molecules, bound to a sugar-like substance, is injected into the body. These molecules provide the tracers that allow the measurement of metabolic activity within the body. A computer records this information, and converts it into pictures for diagnostic purposes.

PET scans are effective for a wide variety of applications. But when the results of PET scans are "fused" together with CT scans, the combined image provides complete information on cancer location and metabolism. PET detects metabolic signals in the body while CT provides a detailed picture of the internal anatomy, revealing the location, size, and shape of cellular activity.

Idaho Medical Imaging

(208) 233-3000
1151 Hospital Way, Building B
www.idahoimaging.com

East Campus Imaging

(208) 239-2300
777 Hospital Way Main Floor
Access via Admissions Entrance