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Brain PET Scan: Procedure, Requirement and Precautions

Brain PET Scan: Procedure, Requirement and Precautions

Brain Positron emission tomography (PET) scan is an imaging technique that facilitates the information about the brain through high resolution images using the radioactive tracer.

Brain Positron emission tomography (PET) scan is an imaging technique that facilitates the information about the brain through high resolution images using the radioactive tracer.

What is Brain PET scan?

Brain positron emission tomography (PET) scan is safe scan which provides highly detailed images of the brain and also any metabolic changes that cannot be detected in MRI or CT scans. The scan involves introduction of the radioactive tracer for the detection of any abnormalities in the brain. The commonly used radioactive tracer is fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) glucose (sugar) with radiolabelled. The tracer is given through intravenous and patient is asked to rest so that the radioactive tracer reaches to the brain. The scan captures images of the brain after the absorption of tracer from blood stream, active areas of the brain will be unitizing the glucose more quickly as compared to inactive parts of the brain. This helps the doctors to monitor and detect any abnormalities found in the brain.

Why Brain PET Scan is Required?

The scan is required for the detection of any abnormality related to brain which includes any injury, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, dementia and other brain related conditions. It is also used to check the shape and size of the brain to determine the accuracy of position and shape. It is also used to prepare the patient for the epilepsy surgery.

Preparation and Procedure for Brain PET Scan

Preparation and Procedure for Brain PET Scan

The procedure requires the small amount of radioactive tracer, which can be given through intravenous (IV) usually on the inside of the elbow or the patient will be provided to breathe radioactive gas.The radioactive tracer travels to the body through the blood stream and reach to the tissues and organs. This process takes almost 1 hour and patient is kept at rest till the tracer reaches the whole body. Any rigorous activity after taking the radioactive tracers is forbidden as it can lead to the more consumption of glucose by normal cells and may impact the results. After 1 hour the patient is taken into the tunnel-shaped scanner for scanning. The scanner detects the signals of tracer and with the attached computer creates 3D pictures as result. Before going for the test, alert your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking, any long-term disease, diabetes, pregnancy, breastfeeding, nutraceuticals or any health supplements. Your healthcare provider may instruct you for not taking the edibles at 8 hours before going for the scan. Also, you may be advised to avoid smoking, alcohol, caffeine or any other item consumed by some people at regular basis. Drinking of water may be allowed as per the procedure and protocol. The whole test may take more than 2 hours depending on the case and requirement of the scan and reports will be analysed, patient will be instructed further course of action if required.

Risks Involved with the Brain PET Scan

Risks Involved with the Brain PET Scan

The test is safe and use the minimal amount of radioactive element approved from food and drug administration standards (FDA) for administration. The radioactive tracer 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 for the procedure.

What is the Cost of the Brain PET scan in Delhi?

The cost of scan in Delhi depends on the area, health facility and the quality of healthcare provider. You can choose Ganesh Diagnostics for the test as they provide best facility, quality and having expertise in healthcare with affordable prices and discounts available.

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.

Conclusion

Brain PET scan is one of the key tests to detect any abnormalities related to the brain which includes shape, size, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, dementia and other brain related conditions. A radioactive material is used in this scan for the detection of any such abnormalities in brain. This scan involves the administration of radioactive material so need best expertise and facility to perform the scan.

FAQs

What is Brain PET scan?

Brain Positron emission tomography (PET) scan used to detect any abnormalities related to brain including shape, size, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, dementia and other brain related conditions.

When Brain PET scan is required?

Scan is required when you want to test for any abnormal symptoms in brain related to cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, shape or size of the brain. 

What if my Brain PET scan was not normal?

Any abnormality in the scan provides the information regarding the brain. Abnormality will be discussed with the patient by healthcare expert and will provides the future course of action for the same. 

What are the risks associated with Brain PET scan?

There are no such risks associated with the scan when conducted in presence of healthcare expert. The radioactive material flushes out of the body after sometime and the dosage is as per the guidelines.