Nationwide Access To Affordable Imaging

Risks of a PET Scan

Risks of a PET Scan

The PET scan involves radioactive tracers, but the exposure to harmful radiation is minimal. According to the Mayo Clinic, radiation levels are too low to affect normal processes in your body. The risks of the test are minimal compared with how beneficial the results can be in diagnosing serious medical conditions.

However, radiation is not considered safe for developing fetuses. If you’re pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or you’re breast-feeding, you shouldn’t get a PET scan.

Other risks of the test include discomfort if you’re claustrophobic or uncomfortable with needles. It’s also possible to have an allergic reaction to the tracers. You should tell your doctor if you’ve experienced an allergic reaction during a PET scan before.

References : This material has been put together with resources collected from the following sources : mayoclinic.org, emedicinehealth.com, radiologyinfo.org