Positron emission tomography (PET), often combined with CT, uses a small amount of radioactive tracer to show metabolic activity and provide functional information about tissues and organs.
PET Scan Services
Coordinated Access to PET Imaging
MARS Healthcare helps patients and referring physicians navigate scheduling, estimate guidance, and access to appropriate partner facilities.
Understanding PET Scan
Coordinated Access to PET Imaging
Your ordering clinician determines which examination is appropriate. MARS Healthcare coordinates access through partner facilities; we do not perform examinations or provide medical advice.
Common Examinations
- PET/CT for oncology
- Brain PET imaging
- Cardiac PET imaging
- Treatment-response assessment
- Restaging or surveillance when ordered
- Specialized tracer examinations when available
Availability and preparation requirements vary by examination and partner facility.
Why This Test May Be Ordered
Cancer Evaluation
May support diagnosis, staging, treatment planning, or monitoring for certain cancers.
Brain Function
Specialized PET studies may evaluate patterns of brain metabolism when clinically indicated.
Heart Health
Cardiac PET can assess blood flow or tissue viability under specific protocols.
What to Expect
Before Your Appointment
- Follow fasting and hydration instructions exactly.
- Tell staff about diabetes, pregnancy or possible pregnancy, breastfeeding, allergies, and recent illness or treatment.
- Review medication instructions with the facility; do not change medicines unless directed.
- Avoid strenuous activity for the period specified by the imaging center.
During the Examination
- A tracer is administered according to the examination protocol.
- You will rest quietly during an uptake period before imaging.
- You will lie still on a table that moves through the scanner.
- Total appointment time is longer than the image-acquisition portion.
PET Tracer & Radiation Safety
PET uses a radioactive tracer and PET/CT also includes CT radiation. The facility screens for pregnancy, breastfeeding, diabetes, blood-glucose considerations, and other factors before the examination.
Important: The partner facility makes final clinical and safety determinations according to the order, patient history, and its protocols.
How MARS Healthcare Coordinates Your Test
01
Send Your Request
Share the ordered examination, preferred area, and scheduling details.
02
Review Options
We identify appropriate partner options based on location, availability, and test requirements.
03
Estimate & Schedule
We provide available estimate guidance and coordinate scheduling after required information is complete.
04
Complete Your Test
The partner facility performs the examination and handles clinical procedures and reporting.
PET Scan Frequently Asked Questions
Why must I fast?
Food and blood-glucose levels can affect tracer distribution and image quality for many PET protocols.
How long will the appointment take?
Timing varies, but preparation and tracer uptake often make the visit substantially longer than the scan itself.
Can I be near others afterward?
The facility will provide temporary radiation-safety instructions appropriate to the tracer and your circumstances.
Who explains the results?
A qualified interpreting physician reviews the study and your ordering clinician discusses the findings.
Need Help Coordinating PET Scan?
Request estimate guidance and coordinated scheduling support through the MARS Healthcare partner network. Availability, eligibility, and final cost depend on the examination and facility.