PET CT scan, short for Positron Emission Tomography with Computed Tomography, is an advanced radio-diagnostic testing procedure used to detect various abnormalities like cancer, cardiac, and neurological conditions.
Overview
PET CT scan, short for Positron Emission Tomography with Computed Tomography, is an advanced radio-diagnostic testing procedure used to detect various abnormalities like cancer, cardiac, and neurological conditions. This procedure uniquely uses radioactive tracers, such as FDG, injected into the body to detect abnormalities at the cellular level, differentiating it from other imaging methods like MRI and CT scans. Radioactive tracers vary depending on the test and organ being examined.
What Are Radioactive Tracers?
Radioactive tracers, also called radiopharmaceuticals, are substances containing radioactive elements that emit positrons. These positrons interact with electrons to produce gamma rays, which the PET CT scanner detects to create detailed images of the body’s abnormalities. Tracers target specific biological activities such as glucose metabolism, oxygen intake, blood flow, or receptor activity, helping precisely detect and understand medical conditions.
How Do Radioactive Tracers Work in PET CT Scan?
During a PET CT scan, radioactive tracers (commonly FDG, labeled with fluorine-18) are injected into a patient's arm, circulate through the bloodstream, and accumulate in areas of high metabolic activity—often cancerous cells—highlighting “hot spots” on scans that indicate disease location and severity.
Types of Radioactive Tracers Used
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Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)
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Gallium-68 (Ga-68) DOTATATE
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F-18 Sodium Fluoride (NaF)
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Rubidium-82 (Rb-82)
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Oxygen-15 and Nitrogen-13
Applications of Radioactive Tracers in Medical Diagnosis
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Cancer Detection and Management
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Neurological Disorders
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Cardiac Imaging
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Inflammatory and Infectious Diseases
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Research and Drug Development
Safety of Radioactive Tracers
Despite the word “radioactive,” the tracers are safe as they decay quickly (usually within hours). They are administered under strict medical supervision, and patients are advised to drink plenty of water post-scan to flush out the tracers. Pre-scan tests like Kidney Function Test (KFT) are required to ensure patient safety.
How to Book PET CT Scan Online in Delhi
Booking a PET CT scan in Delhi is simple. You can click here or call +91 9212125996 to schedule your appointment at Ganesh Diagnostic Center, a reputed facility offering PET CT scans with up to 50% discount.
List of PET CT Scans Available at Ganesh Diagnostic Center
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F-18 Choline PET Scan (Book Now)
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Cardiac PET CT scan (Book Now)
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FDG-PET scan (Book Now)
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DOTA PET CT scan (Book Now)
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Whole Body PET CT scan (Book Now)
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PSMA PET CT scan (Book Now)
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Brain PET CT scan (Book Now)
Click Here for the full list of PET CT scan types.
Conclusion
Radioactive tracers are critical for the accuracy and effectiveness of PET CT scans. They enable detection of abnormalities at the cellular level, help in cancer staging, and monitor treatment response. With short decay times and medical safeguards, they are a safe and vital diagnostic tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is another name for radioactive tracer?
Radioactive tracers are also called radiopharmaceuticals or radio substances. -
Is any test needed before PET CT scan using radioactive tracers?
Yes, patients often undergo tests like Kidney Function Test (KFT) for safety. -
Which is the most common radioactive tracer used?
Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) is the most commonly used tracer. -
Why are radioactive tracers important for PET CT scan?
They help detect conditions by interacting with cellular electrons, producing detectable signals. -
What are the different types of radioactive tracers?
FDG, Ga-68 DOTATATE, F-18 Sodium Fluoride, Rubidium-82, Oxygen-15, Nitrogen-13, among others. -
What applications do radioactive tracers have in medical diagnosis?
They assist in cancer detection, neurological and cardiac imaging, infection diagnosis, and research.
