Computed tomography (CT) scan uses the x ray and computer in combination to produce the images inside the body for the diagnosis of diseases.
Computed tomography (CT) scan uses the x ray and computer in combination to produce the images inside the body for the diagnosis of diseases. While as Positron emission tomography (PET) scan uses the radioactive material in the body for the diagnosis of diseases.
Let’s discuss CT Scan
Computed tomography scan popularly known as CT scan is the diagnostic technique in which images are used for the quick diagnosis of diseases, treatment of diseases and condition of a particular disease. This technology uses the X ray facility in combination with the computer to produce high resolution images with great quality. This procedure creates detailed cross section images of different organs of the body and it can also be used to guide the biopsies and other analysis procedures by obtaining tissue sample. CT scan very famous technique to get the diseases diagnosis fast and effective way without intake of any procedural medication of any time. There are various advantages of the CT scan as compared to the traditional diagnosis tools and procedures.
Advantages of CT Scan
- Wide range of diagnosis: CT scan can be used to diagnosis the bone fractures, muscle disorders, infections etc. It is also used to study blood vessels and other internal structures. Other organs like chest, pelvis, bones and abdomen sites.
- High quality images: CT scan produces the high-resolution images with high quality detailing. This helps in easy and early diagnosis of diseases, tumors or any abnormalities.
- Availability: The scan is easily available at the diagnostic centres, hospitals and healthcare facilities, which makes it convenient for the patients to go for the scan.
- Fast and painless: The procedure is quick and painless as compared to the traditional diagnosis procedures.
Disadvantages of CT Scan
- Radiation exposure: We know the scan uses the X rays for the procedure, so the patient is exposed to the radiation risk. Although the radiation level is very low and doesn’t cause any harm to the patient. But repeated exposure to the radiation for multiple scans can lead to radiation risk.
- Injectable material risks: In some cases, for the better imaging the patients are administered with the contrasting material, this material helps to get better and high contrast resolution images. But in some cases, this causes reaction in the patients.
- Wrong positive: sometimes the scan detects the abnormalities which may not be related to the cancer, this leads to additional testing burden for the patients.
Let’s Discuss PET Scan
Positron emission tomography or PET scan is the procedure that uses the radioactive tracer, usually a glucose namely fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG). The radioactive tracer is administered into the patient and kept ideal for almost 1 hour so that radioactive tracer will reach the whole body. PET scan procedure keeps the check on the metabolic (chemical process within the cells to keep the normal body functioning) activities of the patient. This includes the circulation of blood, energy consumption and waste product elimination. If the tissue or the particular organ is consuming more or less glucose as compared to the normal, the radioactive tracer gets collected as per consumption and gets detected accordingly in the scan. They can access the situation at the cellular level and gives the best diagnosis for the disease in less time. There are various advantages of the scan as compared to the traditional procedure for the diagnosis of the disease.
Advantages of PET Scan
- Wide range of diagnosis: PET scan is used for wide range of diagnosis like stages of cancer, heart disorders and brain disorders including central nervous system (CNS) at cellular metabolic level.
- Sensitivity: The scan is highly sensitive and can detect the abnormalities that can be missed by other scans or test.
- Treatment guide: This scan helps to guide for the effective treatment and determine the effectiveness of the treatment at various stages of chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
- Fast and painless: PET scans are effective, quick and painless procedure that takes few minutes to complete.
Disadvantages of PET Scan
- Radiation exposure: Scan uses the radioactive material in the procedure, even though the dose is low and as per the food and drug administration (FDA) standards but it may cause some reaction in sensitive patients. Talk with the health expert before going for this scan.
- Availability: Scan uses new technology and are very sensitive, so good healthcare facility with great expertise at disposal will be required to carry out the test. This may lead to limited availability.
- Precautions before test: Before going for test, limit the intake of food, caffeine or any other food item, which may influence the result of the test.
Difference Between the CT Scan and the PET Scan
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CT scan |
PET scan |
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Scan uses X rays for the diagnosis |
Scan uses radioactive tracer for diagnosis |
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Radiations does not stay in the body after the procedure |
Radiation stays in the body for the short duration of time after procedure |
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Scan provides the general information about the tissues or organs as the procedure only uses imaging technology for diagnosis |
Scan provides the in-detail information about the tissues and organs as the procedure involves the detection of metabolism at cellular level. |
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Scan is less sensitive |
Scan is more sensitive |
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Scan is less expensive and easily available at healthcare facilities. |
Scan is very expensive and not easily available at healthcare facilities because of machinery and expertise used |
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Takes 10-30 minutes depending on the need of contrast or not |
May take 20 to several hours based on the radiotracer and aim of the imaging. |
Risks involved with the CT and PET Scan
Both tests are safe but the usage of radiation and radioactive material have some implications if having any previous allergic record to these. Radiations and radioactive material used are as per the guidelines of the procedure and have minimal effect on the patient. Still, it is better to discuss with health expert before going for the procedure.
What is the Cost of the CT and PET Scan in Delhi?
The cost of the tests 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
CT scan uses X ray with computer to produce images for the detection of any disorder in tissues or organs while as PET scan uses the radiotracer for the detection of disorders in tissues or organs. PET scan is one of the key scans to detect the early stages of cancer, heart diseases or any brain disorders.
FAQs
What is CT scan?
Computed tomography (CT) or CT scan is the scan that uses the X ray radiation for the detection of abnormalities in tissues or organs of the body by producing images.
When PET scan?
This scan used the technology of Positron emission tomography (PET) the detection of stages of cancer, heart diseases and brain disorders. It uses radiotracer and detects the abnormalities at cellular level.
It is required when you want to test for any abnormal symptoms related to cancer, heart disease and brain disorders. It can be done at any time with the consultation of healthcare expert.
When CT scan is required?
It is required, when you want to test for any abnormal symptoms related to organ or any unwanted cell mass inside. It provides the high-quality images for disease diagnosis.
When PET scan is required?
It is required, when you want to test for any abnormal symptoms related to cancer, heart disease and brain disorders. It gives the information about the condition at cellular level. It can be done at any time with the consultation of healthcare expert.
What if my CT and PET scan was not normal?
Any abnormality in the scan will be discussed with the patient by healthcare expert and provides the future course of action for the same.
What are the risks associated with CT and PET scan?
There are no such risks with these scans. The radiation related to CT scan doesn’t remain in the body and the radioactive material flushes out of the body after sometime after administration in case of PET scan.
