A Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan helps revealing how the tissues and organs are functioning through the use of a radioactive drug (tracer). It reveals or evaluates several conditions including that of many cancers, heart disease and brain disorders, etc.

This scan has a wider possibility to detect disease before they show up on other Imaging tests. Mostly, the PET images are combined with CT or MRI scans.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A PET SCAN? 

The patient must avoid strenuous exercise for a couple of days. Must stop eating a few hours before PET. The doctor needs to be informed, in case the patient: 

- ever had a bad allergic reaction

- been sick recently or is diabetic

- takes any medications or nutrient supplements

- is pregnant 

- is breast-feeding

- is claustrophobic (afraid of enclosed spaces)

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE PET SCAN?

• The PET scanner is a large machine similar to a giant doughnut standing upright almost  like a CT (Computerized Tomography) machine
• The patient shall require app. 02 hours for this OPD procedure
• Patient changes into a hospital gown
• He or she is instructed to empty the bladder before giving the tracer 
• 30-60 minutes of waiting shall be involved for the tracer to be absorbed 
• When ready, the patient lies on a narrow, padded table that slides into the scanner.
• During the Scan, patient is asked to lie very still for app. 30 minutes to maintain the quality of images
• This test is painless. Due to enclosed spaces, a patient may feel some anxiety though. If asked to, the doctor might recommend a drug to help relaxing
• In few cases, CT & PET Scan could be combined in a single machine

After the Procedure

Patient can carry on with routine as usual, unless any specific instructions by the doctor. He or she will require to drink plenty of fluids to help flush the tracer from the body.

INTERPRETATIONS 

Radiologist will document and report the findings to the doctor.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 

In this test, the radiation exposure being minimal, risk against negative effects is low. Provided in rare cases, the tracer that is injected into the patient’s body might:

-result in a major allergic reaction

-expose the unborn baby to radiation , if pregnant or breast-feeding