PET CT Scan

The human body is a complex mixture of cells, tissues and organ systems carrying out their particular functions and maintaining a healthy body. A PET - Positron Emission Tomography helps to examine the chemical properties of your body.

Cancers, heart disease, brain disorders, glucose metabolism, blood flow, and usage of oxygen are some of the variety of conditions which can be identified by PET scan. It can detect areas of molecular biology details even prior to the anatomic change.

Procedure

In this nuclear medicine imaging test, your body is injected with a small quantity of liquid radioactive material. The radioactive material commonly used for PET scan is simple sugar called Fluro Deoxy Glucose or FDG.

When it is injected into the bloodstream, it is absorbed by the organs and tissues and emits energy in form of gamma rays. They are highlighted by the PET scanner and the computer converts these signals to images which show the functioning of tissues and other organs.

This procedure is ideally used for cancer, as the cancer tumors require sugar to evolve.

The procedure may take approximately 30 minutes depending on the area of your body being scanned and after few pre-requirements are met.

Pre-requirements for a PET scan

• Pregnant or breast feeding mothers need to inform the doctors in advance. The radiation may affect the foetus and hence it might not be safe for them.
• Bring along any previous X-rays or radiology images if you have as it may help the doctor to compare and determine if the test will be helpful.
• Generally you will be asked to fast without food and water for several hours before the test as it may affect the sugar metabolism and result in poor quality of the images.
• If you are diabetic, you may be asked to stop your medication for a while and will be given some specific information regarding the same.
• You won't be allowed to wear any kind of metal or jewelery. Also, wear loose, comfortable and simple clothes. Ideally, you will be asked to change into the hospital gown.

Post effects of PET scan

A PET scan is actually an outpatient procedure and hence you can carry on with your normal routines just after the test. However feeding mothers or people who are caretakers for small children, may need to avoid contact with the child for some time. Feeding should be stopped for a while and other arrangements should be made for the same.

There is nothing to worry about these are small precaution steps as your body may release a small amount of radioactivity after the test.

Conclusion

The PET scan reports help your doctor to analyze the minute details. For example, if it is carried out for cancer, the doctor will be able to see how the cancer is metabolizing, is it spreading moreover, is the tumor responding to chemotherapy can also be known. Hence, a PET scan is an effective test.