Positron emission tomography-computed tomography also known as PET-CT scan is a highly advanced technique in Nuclear medicine which combines PET scanner and CT scanner together to obtain sequential images from both machines in...
What is PET-CT scan?
Positron emission tomography-computed tomography also known as PET-CT scan is a highly advanced technique in Nuclear medicine which combines PET scanner and CT scanner together to obtain sequential images from both machines in the same session. These images are combined to obtain a single superposed image.
PET-CT has revolutionized various diagnostic and imaging techniques in oncology, cancer staging, and radiation therapy and surgical planning, cardiology and neurology.
The advantage of combining PET and CT together
1) PET scan provide Functional imaging of body using a radiopharmaceutical/radioactive tracer delineating the distribution and rate of metabolic and biochemical activity in the body.
2) CT scan provide Anatomical imaging delineating the anatomy of body parts in details.
Thus, combination of PET and CT together allows for precise correlation of functional imaging with that of anatomical imaging of the body.
Also, Two-dimensional as well as Three-dimensional image reconstruction is possible in PET-CT which aid in better evaluation and assessment of underlying pathologies.
What are the uses of PET Scan?
PET Scan is typically used for the assessment and analysis of metabolic and biochemical properties of tissues or an organ such as Heart and brain. It is indicated for diagnosis and evaluation of many conditions including:
1) Cancer - Any neoplastic change in the body regardless of their size, shape or degree of development can be detected using this technique such as lung, breast, brain, prostate and colorectal cancers etc.
2) Metastases - It is defined as secondary malignant growths at distant site from primary tumours. PET scan plays a crucial role in identification and localization of metastases.
3) To monitor efficacy of treatment and assess the prognosis of cancer patients.
4) To check for Cancer recurrence post treatment.
5) Before Coronary artery bypass surgery or angioplasty to analyze myocardial perfusion/blood flow and areas of heart that would benefit from these procedures
6) Stroke or cerebrovascular accident.
7) Recurrent epilepsy and epilepsy refractory to treatment.
8) Dementias and other conditions deteriorating mental function.
9) Huntington’s disease - It is an inherited disorder which leads to progressive degeneration of nervous tissue in the brain, affecting wide range of mental functions.
10) Parkinson’s disease - It is progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the brain resulting in various symptoms specially tremors.
11) Alzheimer’s disease - It is progressive degeneration of cholinergic neurons resulting in gradual decline in memory, social skills and behavioral changes.
12)To identify bleeding/hematoma or perfusion of brain tissue after trauma/injury.
13) Pre-operative localization of specific site prior to surgical approach to brain.
14) Post X-ray or CT chest to further delineate lung lesions.
What are the types of PET scan?
There are various types of PET scan including:
1) PET-CT scan - It is the combination of PET scan with CT scan.
2) PET-MRI scan - It is the combination of PET scan with MRI scan.
3) FDG-PET scan- This technique utilizes radiopharmaceutical agent Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG).
4) Cu-64 Dotatate PET scan - This technique utilizes radiopharmaceutical agent copper-64 Dotatate.
5) Ga-68 Dotatate PET scan - This technique utilizes radiopharmaceutical agent Gallium-68 Dotatate.
6) MIBG PET scan - This technique utilizes radiopharmaceutical agent Metaiodobenzylguanidine.
How do I prepare for PET scan?
Follow these steps if you are going for PET scan:
1) Get an appointment- Fix an appointment in a Diagnostic center having the facility of PET scan as it is available in limited centers.
2) Fasting- 6-7 hours fasting is required before PET test. Inform your Doctor about all medications and supplements that you are currently taking.
4) Caffeine- For 24-hours before the scan, avoid caffeinated products if you are scheduled for cardiac PET.
3) Clothing - Wear clothes as comfortable as possible and that are easy to put on and off.
4) Pregnancy and breastfeeding - Tell your Doctor about pregnancy if you are pregnant or if you breastfed your baby so that your Doctor can evaluate the risk vs benefit ratio.
5) Allergy- Inform your Clinician about prior history of allergy to any drug or medications.
6) Implants - Inform your doctor about any implant in your body such as cardiac implant, inner ear implants, metallic dentures, neurostimulators or any type of hearing aids etc.
7) Claustrophobia and anxiety - If you have claustrophobia or anxiety disorder then don’t hesitate to tell your Doctor about it. He may give you sedative or some alternatives to help overcome this while performing test.
8) Medical reports- Don’t forget to carry all relevant medical reports along with you while going for PET scan. These reports may aid in better evaluation of your condition.
9) Take a company- Get accompanied by friend or family member to have mental, emotional and physical support and to drive you home.
What is the procedure for PET scan?
The procedure of PET scan includes the following steps:
1) Written consent is required before the procedure begins.
2) You will be asked to remove all the metallic elements like jewellry, hearing aids, metallic hair clips, metallic underwired bras, wallets, keys, coins, cards containing metallic strips, belts, goggles etc.
3) An intravenous injection of radiopharmaceutical agent usually FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose) is given to you.
4) You will be then asked to sit quietly for about an hour to allow the radiotracer agent to get distributed to your body tissues and organs via bloodstream. The radioactive agent gets accumulated in areas of high metabolic activity such as cancerous tissues.
5) If PET-CT is being scheduled then you may get another intravenous injection of a contrast agent which yields high clarity images on CT scan.
6) You will be then asked to change your clothes and wear a gown provided by the technician assisting the procedure.
7) You may be provided with head phones or ear plugs to make you feel more comfortable.
8) If you have Claustrophobia or anxiety disorder, then you may be given sedatives or some other alternatives to make you feel comfortable during the scan.
9) Before scan, your assisting Doctor will explain about all the possible adverse effects of using radiopharmaceutical or contrast material such as itching, rash, swelling etc. Your KFT report will be required to rule out any kidney disease/pathology and to check your GFR.
10) Then you will be asked to lie supine on examination table which will slide and place you inside the scanner.
11) You need to lie still during the procedure as body movements may interfere with the quality of images produced.
12) Your Radiologist will take several images to evaluate the underlying pathology and at the end these images will be interpretated for making a definite diagnosis.
What happens after PET scan?
The whole procedure of PET scan takes approximately 2 hours. Up to 60 minutes are required to begin the scanning procedure after giving an intravenous radioactive agent. Where as the actual process of PET scan takes approx. 30-40 minutes. However, it may last longer depending upon the severity of your illness and associated co-morbid conditions.
Once the imaging is over you may be allowed to exit the
1) Scanner room and asked to wait in the observation room for some time, to check for any possible side effect of radioactive or contrast agent being used.
2) You should drink water to clear out the radiotracer or contrast agent from your body.
3) You will get reports on the next day. However, you can get the image films on the same day if required by your doctor.
What is the cost of PET scan?
Price of PET scan generally vary with city and location. Various diagnostic and imaging centers charges differently according to the quality of services they provide and the offers currently availing in them.
PET scan test is an advanced diagnostic and monitoring tool that is available at limited diagnostic centers as it requires costly and modern equipments and skilled Radiologists to perform the scan.
To choose the best diagnostic center for PET scan in Delhi. Click here!
PET scan charges also vary with the body part which need to be examined and the type of PET scan.
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center (GDIC) is now offering 50% discount on all types of PET scan test.
Various PET scan prices in Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center (GDIC) are as following:
For more details, click here!
Which is the best Diagnostic center for PET scan?
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center (GDIC) is the best diagnostic center for PET scan in Rohini, Delhi.
We are having the facility of different types of PET scan including:
1) F-18 Choline PET Scan
2) FDG-PET Scan
3) Brain PET Scan
4) Whole Body PET Scan
5) PSMA PET Scan For Prostate
6) Dopa Brain PET Scan
7) PET Viability Scan Cardiac
8) Cardiac PET Scan
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Center is a NABH and NABL accredited top diagnostic center situated in ROHINI and various other locations of Delhi. It is equipped with modern, highly expensive machines with latest cutting edge technologies and highly skilled Radiologists and Pathologists.
Currently, we are offering 50% discount on all types of PET scan.
We are open 24X7 and 365 days. You can also get free online or offline Consultation with our Senior Radiologist, Dr. Ravin Sharma regarding any imaging and scanning test.
We also offer facilities of online reporting, free home sample collection and free Ambulance services in Delhi, NCR. We are also empanelled with various departments and organizations. So you can get the services at panel rate too.
For more details visit your nearest Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center(GDIC) today or Call us now!
Hurry! Grab the best deals now!
We are also empanelled with different departments including:
- DAK (Delhi Arogya Kosh)
- ESIC (Employees State Insurance Corporation)
- CGHS NHA (Central Government Health Scheme)
- ECHS (Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme)
- NDMC (New Delhi Municipal Council )
- Delhi Jal Board
- Northern Railway Central Hospital
- DGEHS (Delhi Govt. Employees Health Scheme)
- BSES Yamuna / BSES Rajdhani Power Limited
- Tata Power Company LTD
- Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital
- Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital
- Babu Jagjivan Ram Memorial Hospital
- Bhagwan Mahavir Government Hospital
To know more details about our empanellment with different organisations. CLICK HERE!
