PET scan

[pet skan]

noun

Computers, Medicine/Medical.

1. an image obtained by positron emission tomography, using a PET scanner.

2. an examination performed with a PET scanner.

PET scan

1. Short for positron emission tomography scan. A cross-sectional image of a metabolic process in a human or animal body produced by positron emission tomography.

PET scan

1. Acronym for p ositron e mission t omography, a medical test that is especially useful in showing how tissue or an organ is functioning, as opposed to just showing structure. In a PET scan, radioactive atoms are introduced into the body, where their chemical behavior is exactly the same as similar nonradioactive atoms. The positrons emitted when these nuclei decay collide with electrons in surrounding tissue, producing gamma rays that can then be detected by instruments outside the body.

A PET scan can show the blood flow through the brain, areas of high metabolic activity that indicate potential tumors, as well as areas of damaged heart tissue.

Word History and Origins

Origin of PET scan¹

First recorded in 1975–80; PET ( def. ) + scan ( def. )

Example Sentences

Rogers suspected her health issues might be serious when her doctor told her he would like to do a slew of tests, including a colonoscopy, MRI and PET scan.

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To observe brain changes, researchers used a specialized PET scan and tracer that makes cholinergic reserves visible, allowing them to measure activity before and after the training period.

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Other questioners wondered if Galleri’s performance had been inflated, because the study followed up an initial positive blood test with a full-body PET scan.

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To confirm the diagnosis, his doctor ordered a full-body PET scan, considered one of the best tests for early detection of the disease.

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On Monday, he delivered a positive update in a Parade article, saying his doctors had “carpet-bombed me for three more treatments” after seeing improvement in a PET scan that was done halfway through chemo.

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