PET CT Scan: Procedure, Requirement and Precautions

Positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) test are performed on the same machine to give detailed pictures of areas inside the body. The test is used to diagnose various diseases like cancer, brain disorders and heart diseases.

What is PET CT Scan?

Positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) test is the special type of the test in which radioactive material is used to detect the disease and shows how the organ is functioning in the real time. This test creates 3D images for more accurate diagnosis of the disease. In this test a tracer, which is the special type of short-acting radioactive liquid is used. This tracer is a glucose with radiolabelled and the most used glucose (sugar) is fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG).  The rate of consumption of the glucose (sugar) by the tissues gives the idea of body. Unhealthy tissues use less or more amount of glucose (sugar) as compared to the normal tissue for normal process. In case of cancer, cells grows quickly so they need more glucose than the normal. Similarly, tissues using less glucose as compared to the normal indicates the abnormality in the tissue. Tissues which absorb more radiotracer can be easily detected by the test and are called the hot spots. 

Why PET CT Scan is Required?

This test is required to detect the cancer (breast, lung and thyroid), brain disorders (brain tumors, epilepsy, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease) and heart problems (coronary artery, heart attack and other heart problems). It is also used to determine whether the cancer has spread in your body (stage of cancer), shows whether the lump is cancer or not, access the effectiveness of the treatment, which treatment is best for the condition and shows how well a treatment is going for the particular condition.  

Preparation and Procedure for PET CT Scan

The PET CT Scan usually takes 20-30 minutes, but before going for the test you have to talk with the healthcare expert about the procedure. You need to discuss the medical history with your healthcare whether you have any diseases like diabetes, heart disease or any other disease. Also provide the list of medications, vitamins or any supplements you are taking. Any allergies, pregnancy, breastfeeding or any other case, which your healthcare provider should know. Avoid any rigorous exercise for about 12 to 24 hours before the test. 

The person should not eat anything for six hours before the test, drink only water, avoid caffeine and do let your healthcare provider know if you have any issues with the enclosed space. The test starts with the IV injection of radiotracer, which contains safe amount of radioactive element.  You will be made to sit on the chair for about 1 hours so that the tracer will move through blood stream and reach to different organs and tissues of interest. Avoid the activity after the tracer will be injected, too much of movement will lead to the absorption of tracer by the tissues using more energy for the movement. A contrast dye of IV injection will also be injected to get the sharper images and you may also experience some clicking sounds during the scanner takes images. After completion, healthcare provider will review the scans and will be provided the necessary information produced from the reports.

Risks involved with the PET CT Scan

The test is safe and use the minimal amount of radioactive element approved from food and drug administration standards (FDA) for administration. The drug remains in the body for the short duration of time and its exposure is less as compared to the natural radiation from the environment. Still a patient can discuss with the healthcare provider before going to the procedure.

Why Choose Ganesh Diagnostic?

Ganesh Diagnostic has the expertise in quality healthcare and tests from decades having best in class doctors and facilitation. Ganesh Diagnostic is one of the most reputed and prestigious Diagnostic centres that provides a 24*7*365 Days facility. The test results are 100 % accurate which help the patients to get the best and the right treatment for easy recovery. We also provide free blood sample collection at home for different tests, Get tested and treated well with the best diagnostic centre. Grab the opportunity and book an appointment.