PET Scan Room Shielding & Design Guide
PET scan rooms (Positron Emission Tomography) are specialized imaging spaces used to detect cancer, monitor treatment progress, and assess both bone and soft tissue function. These scans use high-energy radioactive isotopes, making PET rooms some of the most radiation-intensive environments in medical imaging.
At Lead Glass Pro, we supply the radiation shielding materials medical facilities need to build safe and code-compliant PET scan rooms, including lead-lined windows, drywall, doors, and more.
⚛️ What Is a PET Scan Room?
A PET scan room houses advanced imaging equipment that uses small amounts of radioactive material to create detailed 3D images of the body. PET scans are especially effective for:
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Detecting cancer
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Monitoring cellular activity
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Evaluating organ function
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Tracking treatment progress
Because these scans involve radioactive tracers and high-energy gamma rays, PET scan rooms require more shielding than many other types of imaging rooms.
📏 How Big Are PET Scan Rooms?
Due to the size of the equipment and the need for radiation isolation, PET rooms are generally larger than standard x-ray or CT rooms, with an average layout of:
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20' x 30'
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Often includes a large lead-lined viewing window, typically 48" x 36" or larger
These rooms also include a shielded control booth, technician workstations, and additional space for safety equipment and patient prep.
☢️ Shielding Requirements for PET Scan Rooms
PET scans emit high-energy radiation that penetrates more deeply than traditional x-ray or CT scans. As a result, PET rooms may require thicker lead shielding (higher lead equivalency). These are some of the required shielding products for these rooms:
The amount of lead shielding required can vary significantly depending on:
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The type of PET scanner
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Energy level of the isotopes used
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Frequency of scans
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Location of the room (especially if near occupied spaces)
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Overall building layout
⚠️ A licensed radiation physicist must review your room setup and issue a shielding report specifying the required lead equivalency for each surface.
🪟 Lead-Lined Windows for PET Scan Rooms
PET scan rooms often need large observation windows for technicians to safely view the procedure. At Lead Glass Pro, we manufacture pre-glazed lead-lined window frames with x-ray lead glass, ready to ship.
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Standard and custom sizes available
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Typically ships within 3 business days
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Factory-set glass for fast, easy installation
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Installs in about 10 minutes with two people
Our windows meet safety standards while offering excellent visibility into the room.
💬 FAQs About PET Scan Room Shielding
Q: Do PET scans require more shielding than CT or x-ray?
A: Yes. PET scanners use high-energy radiation, which requires thicker lead shielding and more rigorous protection measures.
Q: Who determines the exact shielding requirements for a PET room?
A: Only a licensed radiation physicist can issue a shielding design report based on the machine, location, and frequency of use.
Q: What materials are needed to build a PET scan room?
A: Most rooms require lead-lined drywall, doors, windows, and radiation barriers—based on your shielding report.
Q: Can I get a quote for all PET shielding materials?
A: Yes! We can provide a quote quickly. Just tell us the products you need (windows, doors, drywall, etc.) and the required lead equivalency.
🛡️ Get a Quote on PET Scan Room Shielding
At Lead Glass Pro, we supply hospitals and imaging centers with everything they need to build or upgrade PET scan rooms safely. Our products meet the highest quality and safety standards—and we ship quickly to keep your project on track.
📧 Request a Quote Now — include your product needs and required shielding level, and we’ll take care of the rest.