positron emission tomography: Quick Facts

Written and fact-checked by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

Oct. 18, 2026

News •

Brain PET scans help select and monitor patients for new Alzheimer's drugs • Oct. 16, 2026, 8:40 PM ET (Medical Xpress)

Facts

Also Known As	PET • PET scanning

Photos and Videos

positron emission tomography scanner

positron emission tomography (PET)

positron emission tomography scan

Using nuclear medicine to diagnose and treat diseases

See All Videos and Images →

Topics

diagnostic imaging tomography magnetic resonance imaging cardiac magnetic resonance imaging ultrasound angiography endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatoscopy computed tomography magnetic resonance spectroscopy urography cholecystography single photon emission computed tomography

Dig Deeper: More Articles That Discuss This Topic

radiation: Applications of radiation