Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Radioactive glucose is a form of glucose that contains a radioactive tracer. It is commonly used in positron emission tomography (PET) scans to measure metabolic activity in different areas of the brain.
Related terms
PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography): This imaging technique uses radioactive tracers like glucose to measure changes in blood flow or metabolism within specific regions of the brain.
CAT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography): Also known as CT scan, it utilizes X-rays from multiple angles to create cross-sectional images that can help identify brain abnormalities.
SPECT Scan (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography): Similar to PET scans, it measures blood flow and activity in the brain using radioactive tracers, but with different imaging technology.