WCH Diagnostics: PET Imaging

PET Scan Services

Wooster Community Hospital offers the most advanced technology in positron emission tomography (PET). PET is combined with computerized tomography (CT) to create a sophisticated, noninvasive diagnostic study of the biochemistry and physiologic function of the human body.

A PET scan is a type of nuclear medicine imaging test. It uses small amounts of radioactive materials called tracers to detect very early changes in your cells. Depending on the body part being examined, the tracer may be administered through an IV, swallowed, or inhaled as a gas. It is then absorbed by the organs and tissues to be examined.

The tracer accumulates in areas of higher chemical or metabolic activity, which indicates disease. These areas show up as bright spots on the PET scan. By detecting changes in the body at the cellular level, PET scans can pinpoint the onset of disease much sooner than a CT or MRI scan alone.

PET is a remarkable imaging tool that provides physicians with important and specific information about the function of organs and cells within your body. A CT scan creates images with exquisite anatomical detail. When a PET scan is used in conjunction with a CT scan, the resulting fused images provide extremely useful information for the diagnosis of disease and management of patients.

Common uses of PET/CT scans include:

• Early diagnosis of cancer, heart conditions, brain and central nervous system disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, depression, brain tumors, and traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Evaluating disease progression
• Determining treatment response

PET imaging services are available at the main campus of Wooster Community Hospital. To schedule an outpatient PET test, call central scheduling at (330) 263-8660, Monday – Friday between 8 am – 5:30 pm.

PET Scan Hours:
Tuesday: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm