This guide details the necessary preparations, including fasting and medication disclosure, and walks you through the PET CT scan process, from radiopharmaceutical injection to image acquisition.
As complicated medical conditions need the finest imaging, one of the finest diagnostic procedures is a Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography (PET CT) scan. At Delhi's top rated best diagnostic and best imaging facility, Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre, patients are given total information and a reassuring experience for their PET CT scan. With the understanding of the process from start to finish, it can eliminate the stress of a one-time visit to our conveniently located lab near you, a part of Delhi NCR's best rated group. PET CT scan is a very advanced imaging process which combines the functional information of a PET scan with the accurate anatomical information of a CT scan and condenses them into one, complete test.
PET scan uses trace amounts of a radioactive tracer (radiopharmaceutical) to identify areas of heightened body metabolic rate that may indicate an accelerated rate of infections, cancer, and neurological disease. CT scan employs the technique of high-resolution cross-sectional imaging of body structures using X-rays. By combining the two modalities, PET CT can capture "what is occurring" at the cellular level and "where it occurs" with accurate anatomical localization.
Preparation: Steps Needed for Best Imaging Preparation is the most important factor in achieving good and quality PET CT scans. Our expert staff at Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre will take you through step by step how to prepare for your scan. As a guideline, you are most likely to have the following:
Fasting: You are most likely to fast at least 4-6 hours prior to your PET CT scan. This is so that the radiopharmaceutical can be absorbed by the target tissues to optimum. You might be permitted water but you will be required to obey very strict instructions provided to you.
Hydration: Have lots of water 24 hours prior to your scan because it will assist in removing what is left of the radiopharmaceutical from your body and assist in providing a clearer image.
No Hard Physical Work: No hard physical work 24 hours prior to your scan because it might interfere with the distribution of the radiopharmaceutical.
Medication Disclosure: Inform our medical staff all of the medication that you are currently taking, including prescription medication, over-the-counter medication, and supplements. Some medications,especially those which impact blood sugar, will require to be changed or stopped on a short-term basis.
Blood Glucose Values (in Diabetic Patients): Diabetic patients need to have stable blood glucose values in order to achieve a reproducible PET scan result. Instructions regarding insulin or oral hypoglycemic drugs will be provided. Your blood glucose value can be checked on the test day.
Avoid Sugar and Caffeine: Attempt to refrain from sugary foods and caffeinated drinks a few hours prior to your scan, as they can affect the accumulation of the radiopharmaceutical.
Comfortable Clothing: Come in a relaxed state of mind and loose, metal-free clothing. Staff might also require you to change clothes and don one of the hospital gowns.
Allergy Information: Let us know about any allergies you have, especially iodine contrast agents, because a CT contrast agent may be administered with the PET scan in some cases to provide additional anatomical detail.Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: We would like to know if you are pregnant or nursing because although the radiopharmaceutical does contain a very small amount of radiation, special precautions might be required.
Tests that are done at Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre:
- Brain PET scan (Book Now)
- F-18 Choline PET Scan (Book Now)
- FDG-PET Scan (Book Now)
- DOTA PET CT Scan (Book Now)
- Whole Body PET Scan (Book Now)
- PSMA PET Scan For Prostate (Book Now)
- Dopa Brain PET Scan (Book Now)
- PET Viability Scan Cardiac (Book Now)
- Cardiac PET Scan (Book Now)
The Process: Step by Step
The moment you step into Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre, our welcoming and skilled staff will take you through the PET CT scanning process:
Registration and Verification of Information: Receptionists will fill in the forms and walk you through your personal information and medical history.
- Consultation with the Technologist: Your PET CT technologist, an experienced technologist for the test, will describe the test to you, address your questions, and discuss your preparation needs.
- Injection of Radiopharmaceutical: A minimal amount of radiopharmaceutical is administered intravenously (into a very tiny vein, typically in your arm). The type and amount of injected tracer will vary according to the clinical use of your scan.
- Uptake Time: You will need to wait for a while after the injection, typically 30 to 60 minutes. You will need to be very quiet and still and not move any major part so that the radiopharmaceutical spreads and is absorbed by the body tissues.
- Position on Scanner Bed: You will be resting in a relaxed position reclining on the PET CT scanner bed by the technologist a few minutes after the uptake time. Your body will be reclined back, and you will be gently positioned through the ring scanner.
- Image Acquisition: PET camera will image signals emitted by radiopharmaceutical within your body, and CT scanner will image you at the same time to create high-resolution images of anatomy of your body.
- You would need to remain as motionless as possible while scanning, which takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the area of your body to be scanned. You can hold your breath and remain motionless for a few seconds. Optional CT Contrast: An intravenous contrast agent is employed in certain tests for the CT component of the test to enhance the visibility of blood vessels and organs.
- Completing the Scan: After you have your complete set of images needed, you will be helped off the scanner table by the technologist.
After Procedure: When to Expect It
After your PET CT scan with Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre:
Hydration: You may be asked to consume plenty of fluids to flush out any remaining radiopharmaceutical from your system.
Normal Activity: You can usually return to your normal activity and regular diet following the scan.
Low-Level Radiation Release: You will release very low levels of radiation for a couple of hours after the test. It is so low that no other person will be exposed, but for a few hours avoid pregnant women and young children as much as possible. Our technologists will give you instructions.
Reading and Imaging Reporting: Our board-certified radiologists and nuclear medicine doctors will carefully read the PET CT images and provide a complete report, which will be faxed or mailed to your referring physician.
Follow-up with Your Physician: Your doctor will be sent your PET CT test results and follow-up treatment or care, if needed.
Conclusion
Here at Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre, a reliable lab near me and best team member of leading labs in Delhi NCR, we try to offer the advanced PET CT scanning facilities with patient safety, comfort, and correct diagnosis.
Our top-class facilities and extremely well-trained staff make us the best imaging center and best diagnostic center in Delhi for this invaluable imaging technique. If you have any questions or require PET CT scan, kindly contact us.
FAQs
Q. What is the full form of PET CT?
The full form of PET CT is Positron Emission Tomography, Computed Tomography scan.
Q. How long will the PET scanning procedure take?
This whole procedure of PET CT scan will take around 20-30 minutes and also depends on the patient's cooperation.
Q. Where to go for PET-CT Scan in Delhi?
Patients can visit Ganesh Diagnostic Imaging Centre for lung PET-CT Scan with heavy discounts. For more information and appointments, click here
