PET scans

Question 1

how does it produce 3D images of the brain

Answer 1

a radioactive substance (FDG) is injected into the veins and this is absorbed by brain cells

the tracer interacts with oxygen and glucose in the brain and emits positrons as it decays and these positrons collide with electrons to form gamma rays

the scanner detects the gamma rays and uses the to create 3D images of the brain

Question 2

what do the different colours mean in this type of scan

Answer 2

blue= low activity
red= high activity

Question 3

what do participants do whilst having a PET scan

Answer 3

they perform cognitive tasks or watch a film to stimulate specific brain functions

Question 4

how long does 1 PET scan take

Answer 4

30-60 mins

Question 5

how much does 1 PET scan cost

Answer 5

around £1400

Question 6

how are these scans useful

Answer 6

they are a reliable tool for detecting brain activity as it shows areas of high and low activity by detecting gamma rays emitted after FDG is injected which helps doctors check for problems in the brain