Please note that no radiation is emitted from the machine itself. The machine is reading signals given off by the tracers in the body. Most tracers do not remain active in the body for more than six hours and are excreted using normal pathways. The body typically gets rid of these tracers by the kidneys or through stool. Most tracers are emptied from your child's system in three and a half days.
Most exams take one hour.
We may need to sedate your child if she's unable to remain still for that time frame. If so, we'll use a small dose of a short acting intravenous sedative. The sedative is mild enough that your child can be easily aroused. If sedation is necessary, we will discuss this with you before your child's exam. Because of the possibility of sedation , your child should have no foods or liquids three hours before the exam.