What is PET-CT Scanning?

Positron Emission Tomography – Computed Tomography is a type of nuclear imaging that performs two types of scans at a time.
PET Scan measures metabolic activity in tissue. CT, or computer tomography, provides a great deal of structural detail.
By combining these, PET-CT enables doctors to

• Notice abnormal things in organs and tissues.
• Discover tumours early on.
• Keep an eye on how a disease is reacting to treatment.

How Does PET-CT Imaging Work?

PET-CT scanning operates through a two-part process: Injection In of a Radiotracer:

• A small amount of radioactivity (most often FDG, a form of glucose) is injected.
• Cells in the body absorbs the radioactivity— active tumor cells absorb more.
• The radiotracer emits positrons, which are detected by the scanner.

Dual Image Capture:

• PET captures metabolic activity.
• CT captures anatomical structure.
• Software overlays the two for a composite image.

This combination enables doctors to pinpoint issues such as cancer, neurological conditions, and cardiac diseases with remarkable accuracy.

PET-CT Scan in Hyderabad: How Should I Prepare?

To ensure accurate imaging results, patients should follow specific preparation guidelines:

• Avoid eating for at least 6 hours before the scan. Water is usually allowed.
• Inform your doctor about all medications, including insulin or diabetic tablets.
• Notify your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, any allergies or have a fear of confined spaces.

Important Pre-Scan Advice:

• Avoid strenuous exercise 24 hours before the test.
• Stay hydrated unless instructed otherwise.
• Bring recent test results, previous scans and medical history documents if available.

What Does the PET-CT Equipment Look Like?

The PET-CT scanner resembles a large doughnut-shaped machine with a tunnel in the centre. The patient lies on a motorised table that slides through the tunnel slowly during the imaging process.
Key features include:

• Integrated PET and CT detectors
• Circular gantry (scanning ring)
• Comfortable padded table with head and body supports

Feature	PET Scan	CT Scan	MRI Scan
Technique	Nuclear medicine	X-ray-based	Magnetic field & radio waves
Detects	Metabolic activity	Structural detail	Soft tissue structures
Use Case	Cancer, heart, and brain disorders	Bone, lung, internal injury	Brain, joints, and spinal cord
Radiation Involved	Yes	Yes	No
Time Required	30-90 minutes	5-10 minutes	30-60 minutes

What Happens During the PET-CT Scan?

Your PET-CT scan experience is carefully managed to ensure your comfort and safety throughout. Here's a clear breakdown of what typically happens:
Before the Scan

• When you arrive, your radiographer will explain what will happen. This is also a chance for you to raise any questions or concerns.
• You will then be asked to put on a hospital gown so that nothing will be obstructed by street clothes. Remove all metal items, such as jewellery and belts, as these will interfere with the images recorded by the scanner.
• Sometimes, a blood test is done to check the blood sugar level. This is common if you’re being scanned for cancer or if you have diabetes.

Injection of the Radiotracer

• Next, you will have a small injection of a radioactive tracer through a cannula (a small plastic tube) in a vein in your arm. Following the injection, you’ll be asked to rest quietly for approximately one hour.
• It is important to lie as still as possible. This permits the tracer to travel through your body and be absorbed by your tissues, creating clear and detailed images.
• You may be asked to empty your bladder right before the scan starts. A full bladder can affect the quality of the images, particularly for scans of the lower belly or pelvis.

Entering the Scanning Room When you are ready, the radiographer will take you into the scanning room. In most cases, you’ll be asked to lie on your back on the scanner bed.
When you are in the right position, the radiographer will go into the control room. They will be able to see and hear you at all times during the scan through a screen and intercom, and you can speak to them at any point if you need help.
During the Scan The scanner bed will advance and retract slowly through the PET-CT machine’s circular opening. While this is occurring, the device takes detailed pictures of your organs and tissues. The scan is not painful, but you have to lie still so the pictures are not blurry and inaccurate.
After the Scan Once the scan is complete, your radiographer will come back into the room to lower the couch, and you can then get up carefully and gradually. Now, you can simply put your clothes back on and go about your day (unless you’ve been instructed otherwise).
If you’ve had a cannula inserted, it will be taken out, and you might be asked to sit for a short while to be certain that you are feeling well before you go home.

What to Expect After the PET-CT Scan?

Following the scan:

• A brief monitoring period may be recommended.
• You’ll be encouraged to drink water to flush out the radiotracer.
• Most patients resume daily activities immediately.
• A radiologist will analyse your images to prepare the report.

Benefits of a PET-CT Scan

PET-CT scanning offers multiple advantages over traditional imaging methods:

• Early detection of diseases like cancer.
• Precise localisation of abnormalities.
• Staging and restaging cancer accurately.
• Monitoring response to treatment or surgery.
• Minimally invasive procedure with no pain involved.

Risks Associated with PET-CT Scanning

Though PET-CT is generally safe, some risks include:

• Radiation Exposure:Slightly higher due to dual imaging, but within safe limits.
• Allergic Reactions:Rare; may occur due to the contrast dye in CT.
• Injection Site Issues: Minor swelling or bruising can occur.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before undergoing the scan.

Limitations of PET-CT Scans

While PET-CT scans are incredibly valuable, they do have limitations:

• Not all tumours absorb FDG—some might be missed.
• False positives due to inflammation or infection.
• Limited clarity for very small lesions (<5mm )

Why Choose Vijaya Diagnostics for Your PET-CT in Hyderabad?

At Vijaya Diagnostics in Hyderabad, we pride ourselves on offering:
• State-of-the-art imaging equipment with advanced PET-CT technology.
• Highly qualified radiologists and nuclear medicine specialists.
• Comfortable, hygienic environment for all patients.
• Accurate, timely reports that assist in clinical decision-making.

Get Your PET-CT Scan Done at an Affordable Price in Hyderabad

We believe access to high-quality diagnostics should not be a luxury. Vijaya Diagnostics offers transparent pricing with no hidden charges. We also offer affordable scan packages for oncology and chronic disease management.

Locate a Vijaya Diagnostic Centre Near You for 3T MRI Scan in Hyderabad

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