Contact Us: (632) 723-0101 ext. 4517 or 4518; Direct Line: (632) 726-8369
Location: Positron Emission Tomography Center (PET)

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a non-invasive imaging technique that shows metabolism or function and pathology (presence of disease) of the different organs and tissues of the body that allows the physician to examine the whole body of the patient.

PET is unique because it examines body functions that no other imaging instruments can do. Unlike other tomographical cross-sectional scan such as MRI and CT Scan which only give images of organ anatomy and instructure, PET provides a direct measure of biochemistry and functional activities of the body.

PET uses positron emitting radioactive carbon, oxygen, flourine and nitrogen to produce a fuctional image of the body. The positrons have extremely short life so it is necessary to have a cyclotron to manufacture them shortly prior to administering them to the patients. After injecting any of these substances, the patient is then scanned with a high resolution imaging devise.

PET is a clinically proven, cost-effective and safe method for imaging colon cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, head and neck cancer, skin cancer, lymphoma, heart disease and neurological disorders, as it can effectively pinpoint the source of these diseases. It aids physicians in planning how best to manage disease, avoiding unnecessary diagnostic evaluations and therapeutic interventions and resulting in improved clinical outcomes.

PET is the only modality that can accurately image many organs of the body with a single examination to search for cancer. It can also provide information to determine whether a primary cancer has metastasized to other parts of the body. In cardiology, PET lets physicians screen for coronary artery disease. In Neurology, PET provides information for assessing various neurological diseases such as brain tumor, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, epilepsy and other dementias.

St. Luke’s Medical Center is the only hospital in the Philippines equipped with a PET scanner and Cyclotron.