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What to Expect Before, During, and After a PET/CT Scan

what-to-expect-before-during-and-after-a-pet-ct-scan
what-to-expect-before-during-and-after-a-pet-ct-scan A PET CT scan combines Positron Emission Tomography and Computed Tomography scans. These two methodologies combine functional and structural information in a single investigation. The PET section focuses on how tissues function, whereas the CT part displays comprehensive anatomical information. 

When is It Recommended to have a PET CT scan?

Doctors may recommend a PET CT scan at the top PET scan hospital in Hisar, the Sarvesh Health City, for the following reasons:

  • Detect disease early.
  • Understanding the extent of a disease’s spread
  • Plan the best treatment.
  • Monitor the effectiveness of treatment
  • Check for disease recurrence.

PET CT Can Help With Early Diagnosis

Early diagnosis is the foundation of successful treatment. The PET scan detects increased metabolic activity in tissues using a safe radiotracer. Many diseases, including cancer and infections, exhibit greater metabolic activity than normal tissues. This allows the scanner to detect abnormalities at an earlier stage.

PET CT can help with early diagnosis in the following ways:

Identifying cell-level changes

Spotting functional abnormalities

Avoiding unnecessary treatments

Supporting a preventive approach

Test Details

A PET/CT scan is a type of nuclear medical imaging. Nuclear medicine uses radiotracers, which are small and safe doses of radioactive material. Unlike other imaging techniques, PET scans focus on internal processes and chemical activity. This allows them to detect disease at an early stage. The radiotracer is absorbed more readily by diseased cells than by healthy cells in the body. These areas are called “hot spots.” The PET scanner detects the radiation and creates images of the affected tissue. A PET/CT scan combines images from both an X-ray and a PET scan.

Preparation for PET CT scan

Overall, you should:

  • Keep track of your current medications, vitamins, and supplements, as well as any allergies.
  • If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor at the top PET scan hospital in Hisar, the Sarvesh Health City.
  • Eat nothing for 6 hours before the test. 
  • Drink only water.
  • If you are being tested for a cardiac condition, avoid caffeine for 24 hours beforehand.
  • Wear comfortable clothing (no metal accessories).

During a PET CT  scan

Expect the following during a PET scan:

  • You will receive an IV injection of a radiotracer (fluorodeoxyglucose, or FDG) containing a safe dose of radioactive medication. 
  • You will be seated for an hour while the radiotracer circulates and is absorbed by your organs and tissues. 
  • During a PET/CT scan, you may be given an IV injection of a contrast dye. 
  • You will be lying on an exam table that slides into and out of the PET/CT scanner. The scanner has a doughnut-like shape. The doughnut or tunnel entrance measures approximately 30 inches in diameter.
  • You must remain motionless throughout the scan, which typically lasts about 30 minutes. Images can become blurry due to movement.
  • The PET CT scanner will make buzzing and clicking sounds as it takes images.

Procedure Time

A PET CT scan procedure takes approximately 2 hours. It can take up to 60 minutes for your body to absorb the radiotracer that is injected. During this time, you will need to sit quietly and minimize your movement. The actual PET scan takes about 30 minutes. After the test, you will need to wait until the technologist reviews the scans and confirms that they are clear.

Risks of a PET CT scan

PET scans typically pose risks in the following situations:

  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to a doctor. 
  • Some people are allergic to PET scan radioactive tracers and CT scan contrast dyes. These allergy reactions are relatively infrequent and generally mild. If this response occurs, your medical team can administer medicine to slow or stop it.
  • People with diabetes may have difficulty absorbing the sugar in the radiotracer, which can impact scan results. Before the test, your physician will provide recommendations for changes to your diet and medications.

Outcomes 

A radiologist who specializes in PET scans will examine the images, generate a report, and send it to your physician. This process usually takes 24 hours. For more information, contact the top PET scan hospital in Hisar, the Sarvesh Health City.

FAQ

Q1. What is PET?

Ans. A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is an imaging test that generates images of your organs and tissues in action.

Q2. Is the radioactive tracer used during a PET scan safe?

Ans. The radioactive tracer used in a PET scan is safe and given in small amounts. It leaves your body   naturally in a short length of time (follow the scan with plenty of water).

Q3. Why do I have to fast before my PET scan?

Ans. Fasting improves the scan’s accuracy. Eating before the test can influence how the tracer is absorbed (it acts like sugar and shows active or sick cells).

Q4. Time taken by PET CT scan procedure?

Ans. The complete operation normally takes around 2 hours. This includes time for the tracer injection, a one-hour absorption period, and the actual scan, which takes roughly 30 minutes.

Q5. When will I receive my PET scan results?

Ans. Radiologist will analyze your photos and provide a report to your doctor, usually within 24 hours.

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Amit-Grover
DR. AMIT GROVER

SENIOR RADIOLOGIST

Discover why Dr. Amit Grover at Sarvesh Health City is the best radiologist in Hisar ! Trusted care, cutting-edge tech & accurate diagnoses await you!