Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Positron Emission Tomography known as PET is a type of nuclear medicine imaging. It uses small amounts of radioisotopes to pinpoint the anatomic location of abnormal metabolic activity within the body. The PET scan is combined with a conventional CT exam, which is called PET/CT to enhance the diagnostic quality of the procedure. Images from the PET are fused or overlaid on the CT study to demonstrate the abnormal metabolic activity with enhanced spatial resolution of the affected area. This allows for a better determination of all areas affected by a disease process. St. Joseph Regional Medical Center contracts with Alliance Healthcare Services to provide PET imaging services at our facility.