What does the abbreviation PET mean in Medical terms - What does the abbreviation PET mean in Medical terms - PET stands for Positron Emission Tomography. It is a diagnostic imaging test that uses a small amount of radioactive material and a special camera to create images of the body's internal organs and tissues at the cellular level.
During a PET scan, the person is given a small amount of a radioactive tracer, which is usually injected into a vein. The tracer emits positrons, which interact with electrons in the body to produce gamma rays. The gamma rays are detected by a special camera, which creates detailed, 3D images of the inside of the body.
PET scans are commonly used to diagnose and monitor various conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders. They can also be used