Positron emission tomography PET scan is an imaging test which uses radiation to show activity on a cellular/tissue level within the body.

An hour before the test is performed one will be given either a solution to drink or inhale or injected into the vein in the body and then the patient is asked to rest and then after an hour the patient is asked to lie down on a narrow table attached to the pet scan machine. The table then moves inside the machine for the scan to be taken.

PET scan can take about 45 mins to 2 hrs.

Pet scan is done to detect cancer, brain disorders and heart problems. Apart from detecting cancer, it is also done to check for its spread, effect of treatment and for reoccurrences.

Yes, PET scan is superior to CT scan as it can catch and detect illnesses at cellular level from where it actually began and it also shows organ functioning. Whereas a CT scan detects much later once it alters the structures at tissue or organ level.