PET Scans are used to investigate a number of conditions

• Useful in detecting  cancer, Heart problems and brain disorder

• Epilepsy-  it can reveal which part of the brain the epilepsy is affecting, This can help doctors decide on the most suitable treatment. Alzheimer's disease: Brain cells that are affected by Alzheimer's tend to use glucose more slowly than normal cells.

• Cancer: PET scans can reveal the presence and stage of a cancer   helping  doctors decide efficacy treatment.

• also helps diagnose   recurrence of cancer after treatment

• Heart disease: A PET scan can help detect which parts of the heart have been damaged .

• Medical Research purpose:To study normal human brain and heart function

Procedure of PET Scan

Before Procedure :

• You will be provided with complete instructions for how to prepare for your PET scan.

• Inform your  doctor about any medicines  or supplements you are taking.

• Inform  if you have any allergies

• Any present  illnesses or other medical conditions, If you have diabetes, you’ll get special instructions for test preparation

• Avoid scan if you are pregnant , suspect pregnancy , or are breast feeding .

• Normally, you  should not consume any food for at least 4 to 6 hours before the scan, but adviced  to  drink plenty of water.

• You will  need to remove all of your jewellery and body piercings because metal can interfere with the testing equipment.

During Procedure :

• A  small amount of radiotracer will be injected into a vein. The tracer can also be breathed in as a gas, taken by mouth, or injected directly into an organ.

• Depending on which the organ is involved, it may take from 30 to 90 minutes for the radiotracer to reach the targeted part of the body.

• You will be asked to relax ,avoiding movement and talking.

• You may be asked to drink some contrast material

• You will then be moved into the PET/CT scanner and the imaging will begin

• You will need to remain still during imaging. The PET scan takes 20-30 minutes.

After Procedure :

• A radiologist will evaluate the images, and report the findings to a doctor.

• Adviced to take plenty of liquid to flush the radioactive drugs out of their system more quickly.

• You will be allowed to go home

Complications of PET scan :

Complications and risks of the test are minimal compared to the benefits  in diagnosing serious medical conditions

• Allergic reactions  though rare may occur but  are usually mild.

• Injection of the radiotracer may cause slight pain and redness which resolves quickly .

• Women should always inform if they  are pregnant , suspect pregnancy or if they are breastfeeding.

Factors Affecting Cost Of PET scan

The cost to the patient depends on a variety of factors like

• The hospital, the patient chooses.

• Fee for the team of doctors ,Radiologists

• Standard tests procedures.

• Treatment of complications if any

How does PET Scan Work - 60 seconds video