Learn about the necessary preparations, dietary restrictions, and precautions before undergoing a PET-CT scan.
PET–CT Scan is the full form of Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography Scan done at the best imaging centre, Ganesh Diagnostics and Imaging Centre. This imaging diagnosis test takes two scans together and is used basically to detect various types of illnesses such as Cancer, Heart Issue, Brain Illness (not limited to central nervous system), etc. The test detects the disease at a cellular level.
A few hours prior to beginning the diagnosis, you will be administered a special kind of Nuclear Medicine consisting of radiotracers in tablet or injection form based on the nature of disease and affected body part. These radiotracers will locate and will settle down in the targeted location to release Gamma Rays.
Radiology labs a very sensitive PET Scanner machine will monitor these radiation to develop the image and give the needed information regarding the disease.
Affected bodies will appear as bright spots on PET CT Scan. This imaging test also measures oxygen consumed by your body, blood flow, reaction of sugar on your body. PET-CT Scan is an OPD procedure so you can go back to daily activities of routine life immediately after the scan.
Preparation For A PET CT Scan
This imaging test needs you to be very cautious. Avoid performing any heavy physical task 24-48 hours prior to the schedule. You also need to communicate with the doctor if you are taking any sort of medicine. Your technologist will appropriately analyze the scenario to recommend the best possible. Diabetic individuals may receive some concession during the diagnosis. You are also recommended not to consume cereals, pasta,bread, rice, milk and a number of other banned food items24 hours prior to PET CT Scan. You can only have water in small amounts that too if absolutely needed.
A few other things to keep in mind are:
- Do not consume chewing gum or hold any sugary candy in mouth while getting diagnosed
- Remove jewellery pieces or other types of metal pieces from and near body (metals interfere with working of scanner to alter images)
- Stay calm and cool (it is a harmless and trustworthy scan to identify certain ailments)
Precautions to be taken
- Pregnant Ladies: Pregnant Ladies should not opt for PET-CTScan. It becomes unsafe for unborn babies. Radiation exposure leads to highly problematic issues to compromise on big terms.
- Lactating Mothers: Lactating Mothers should also avoid this test. Having radiotracers in the body will limit you to breastfeed the baby for up to 24-36 hours.
- Allergy and other complex diseases: Individuals with allergy are also recommended to be cautious before deciding for PET-CT Scan. Individuals with other complex diseases must consult with technologists regarding safety and other types of harm.
- Kidney Patients: Talk everything over with the technologist, to become self-assured, if you're a kidney patient. You also need to follow certain precautions at the behest of the physician.
PET Scan tests that you can get at Ganesh Diagnostic-
- Brain PET Scan (Book Now)
- F-18 Choline PET Scan (BooK Now)
- FDG-PET Scan (Book Now)
- Cardiac PET Scan (Book Now)
- Whole Body PET Scan (Book Now)
Click here to get all the PET SCT scan tests done at Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre, one of the best imaging centres in Delhi, NCR.
What to do after PET–CT Scan?
PET–CT Scan is OPD and a safe procedure. Therefore, you can easily go back to normal activities as soon as the test is completed. Your doctor needs to allow you to leave before that. He might request you to stay for a long time in case of certain conditions. Since you are administered Nuclear Medicine so you will be requested to have lots of water to remove the toxins
You also need to keep a safe distance from ladies and infants for the next 12-16 hours. Nuclear material still stays in the body for the next two days. It is normal and safe. It will automatically exit the body through the natural waist. Take your report and call the doctor for further treatment.
How much time does PET-CT Scan take?
PET–CT Scan is a lengthy process. Therefore, don't pressurize your technologist to complete the diagnosis quickly. You really need to get yourself ready following the above mentioned guidelines.
Secondly, you should sit or recline at a single fixed position for a minimum of one hour after consuming Nuclear Medicine. That is very much essential. Radiotracers take time to locate the desired area and get accumulated to make the process continue.
Conclusion
PET–CT Scan is the full form of Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography Scan. This imaging diagnosis examination combines two scans and is applied essentially to find out different kinds of diseases like Cancer, Heart Problem, Brain Disease (not restricted to central nervous system), etc. It is important to understand the precautions and preparations of this test. Understanding side effects and aftercare is as important as understanding advantages to avoid any complications and future discrepancies.
FAQS
Q. What is the full form of PET CT SCAN?
The full form of PET CT Scan is Positron Emission Computed Tomography scan.
Q. Where To Reach For PET-CT Scan?
There are few diagnostic centers within and around your locality to reach. But, you are recommended to always approach the authorized one that too on doctor's advice or search for the best imaging centre near you.
Q. What Is The Cost Of PET-CT Scan?
APET-CT Scan basically costs Rs.10,000 - RS.15,000 in a typical diagnostic center. Kindly note this price could differ from center to center based on the location and offerings available.
Q. Who Can Perform The PET-CT Scan?
It can be conducted only by a trained and professional radiologist. He will thoroughly study your health condition to determine whether PET-CT Scanning needs to be conducted or not. He will also take utmost care for safety issues.
