Patients receive a safe dose of a radioactive tracer during a PET-CT scan, emitting positrons. The PET scanner captures these positrons, while the CT scanner produces detailed X-ray images of the body. These fusions yield precise localisation of abnormalities, providing functional and anatomical information to clinicians.

While PET-CT scans entail exposure to radiation from the tracer, the dosage is within safe limits for diagnostic purposes. However, pregnant individuals must inform their healthcare provider beforehand, as there are potential risks to the unborn child.

A skilled radiologist interprets the images following the scan and furnishes a comprehensive report to the referring physician. These results are pivotal in guiding treatment strategies and monitoring therapy efficacy, particularly in cancer patients.

Across fields such as oncology, neurology, cardiology, and orthopaedics, PET-CT scans are crucial for detecting cancer, assessing disease spread, evaluating brain function, and diagnosing heart conditions. They provide detailed views of the body's structure and function, essential for diagnosing diseases, planning treatments, and tracking therapy progress.