How the Procedure Works
During a PET scan, a small amount of radioactive material called a tracer is given through an IV. This tracer travels through your body and is absorbed differently by healthy and diseased cells. Areas that take up more tracers are called 'hot spots'. A PET scanner detects the radiation from these areas and creates detailed images of how your tissues and organs are functioning.
Unlike standard X-rays or CT scans, which show mostly the structure of your organs, PET scans focus on the processes and molecular activity inside your body. This helps doctors find problems at the earliest stages, sometimes before symptoms appear.
What PET Can Show
PET scans are most commonly used to:
- Detect cancer and check how it is responding to treatment
- Evaluate heart function and blood flow
- Detect early changes in the brain, including conditions like Alzheimer’s disease
- Assess other organs and tissues for disease or abnormal function
Because PET scans focus on how your cells work, they provide important information that other imaging tests may not show. This allows your care team to make more accurate diagnoses and plan treatment more effectively.
Safety and Benefits
PET scans use very small and safe amounts of radioactive material, and the procedure is painless. You can usually return to your normal activities shortly after the scan. PET imaging provides doctors with both pictures and functional information, giving a complete view of your health.
How Much Does a PET/CT Scan Cost in Arizona?
The price of a PET/CT scan costs in Arizona depends on factors like the type of scan, the area of the body imaged, whether contrast is used, and your insurance coverage, co-pay, or deductible.
Many patients choose outpatient imaging centers like Arizona Diagnostic Radiology to receive high-quality PET/CT scans at a fraction of the cost. According to the National Institute for Health Care Reform, community-based imaging centers may charge up to 50% less than hospital outpatient departments for identical procedures (source).
Outpatient facilities also offer shorter wait times, personalized care, and a comfortable experience without compromising image quality or diagnostic accuracy.
Arizona Diagnostic Radiology provides affordable PET/CT scans in Arizona, combining cutting-edge technology with expert interpretation for reliable results you can trust.
