PET Scan of Whole Body - Pet Mri Item 3
This whole-body PET scan is an oncology-focused nuclear medicine imaging procedure that uses a small dose of radioactive tracer to assess metabolic activity across all related body structures, with no contrast dye used during the exam. It requires 6 hours of fasting prior to your appointment, carries a low risk of claustrophobia, and the scanning process itself takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.
This 10-minute whole-body PET scan for oncology uses a safe radioactive tracer (no contrast dye required) to detect cancer, assess cancer spread, and evaluate treatment effectiveness, with only a 6-hour pre-appointment fasting requirement and low claustrophobia risk.
Key facts at a glance
- Modality
- pet
- Body part
- whole-body
- Ionizing radiation
- true
- Radiation dose
- 14
- Duration (min)
- 10
- Preparation
- fasting-6h
- Pregnancy safe
- false
- Pediatric safe
- true
- Breastfeeding safe
- true
- Claustrophobia risk
- low
- Metal implant safe
- safe
- Sedation
- none
- Result turnaround
- 24-48h
- Availability
- routine
- Setting
- outpatient
- Cost tier
- very_high
What Is a Whole-Body PET Scan for Oncology?
A whole-body PET (positron emission tomography) scan is a specialized nuclear medicine imaging test designed for oncology care that uses a small, safe dose of radioactive tracer injected into your bloodstream. The tracer is taken up by cells with high metabolic activity, a common characteristic of cancer cells, allowing the scan to create detailed images of functional activity across all related structures in your entire body, rather than only showing anatomical shape like standard X-rays or CT scans.
Clinical Applications for Oncology Care
This scan is used to detect primary cancerous tumors, identify if cancer has spread to distant lymph nodes or organs (a process called cancer staging), evaluate how well a current cancer treatment is working, and check for signs of cancer recurrence after treatment has ended. It is particularly useful for cancers including lung, breast, colorectal, lymphoma, and melanoma, as it can spot small areas of active cancer that may not be visible on other standard imaging tests.
How to Prepare for Your Scan
You will need to fast for 6 full hours before your appointment, which means no food or sugary drinks (plain water is allowed) during that window to ensure the radioactive tracer is absorbed evenly by your body and produces accurate, reliable images. You should also avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours before the scan, and inform your care team if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have diabetes, as these factors may require special adjustments to your preparation plan.
What to Expect During the Procedure
The active scanning portion of the procedure takes approximately 10 minutes, and the risk of claustrophobia is low as the scanning machine is open and does not fully enclose your body. No iodine-based contrast dye is used for this exam, so you will not need to worry about contrast-related allergic reactions or kidney strain. After the radioactive tracer is injected, you will rest quietly for 30 to 60 minutes to let it spread through your body before you are positioned on the scanner table for the 10-minute imaging session.
How to read the report
- Results reviewed by radiologist.
What Is This Procedure?
This pet scan evaluates whole-body. Uses controlled radiation to create detailed images.
What Does It Show?
Detailed images of whole-body. Part of the oncology system.
Common Uses
This exam is commonly used to detect abnormalities, guide treatments, and monitor known conditions.
What to Expect
The procedure takes approximately 10 minutes.
Severe pain at procedure site
urgentWorsening severe pain with fever or other symptoms. Go to urgent care or ER.
Mild symptoms after procedure
promptMild discomfort or symptoms that don't improve. Contact your doctor.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 9, 2026. · Read our editorial policy