What does Position Emission Tomography (PET) primarily detect?

Position Emission Tomography (PET) primarily detects radioactive glucose activity during tasks, allowing for visualization of metabolic processes in the body. This imaging technique involves administering a radioactive tracer, which is often a form of glucose, to the patient. Since active brain regions consume more glucose than less active ones, PET scans can highlight areas of high metabolic activity. This is particularly useful in brain research, as it provides insights into how different brain regions function during various tasks or in states of rest.

The ability to observe how the brain utilizes glucose during cognitive activities makes PET an essential tool in evaluating conditions like Alzheimer's disease, tumors, and other neurological disorders. This metabolic focus sets PET apart from other imaging techniques that might assess physical structures or electrical activity, such as EEG, which measures brain waves, or MRI, which examines magnetic fields in brain tissues.