Introduction: The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of a 'virtual experience' on reducing people's anxiety levels and improving image quality. Methods: This study included 200 people who underwent 18 F-FDG PET/CT scan for the first time. Healthy people (n = 100) and patients (n = 100) were randomly divided into a control group and an intervention group. In the intervention group, we used a 'virtual experience' as an intervention before the scan. We used the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and satisfaction questionnaires for evaluation. Additionally, the image quality was analysed. Results: In the control group, more patients presented anxiety than healthy people (26(52%) versus 15(30%)) (P = 0.041). However, when the 'virtual experience' was provided, the number of cases of anxiety in the patient group decreased to 19(38%). Furthermore, patients in the intervention group had lower STAI-related scores than those in the control group (STAI-S: 37.08 AE 9.42 versus 43.34 AE 10.49, P = 0.109; STAI-T: 36.24 AE 9.55 versus 40.72 AE 9.00, P = 0.019). With respect to image quality, people who had higher STAI-related scores were more likely to have unqualified images. Conclusion: A 'virtual experience' provided by an audiovisual installation can ease patients' anxiety and improve image quality.