A Pet / CT scan combines the combabilities of PET scans and CT scans.
While MRI and CT scans provide anatomic imaging of the physical structure of the body, and a PET scan provides a metabolic imaging that detects abnormalities in cell tissues based on cellular metabolism, an integrated PET / CT scan produces a combined image of the organs metabolism AND structure, allowing us to better understand the changes in the body.
PET / CT imaging allows:
Further benefits of PET / CT consist of:
Important Note:
Please inform us if you have/are:
Upon arrival:
Preparation phase: You will be asked to change into the patient gown. A locker will be provided to keep your personal belongings. Your weight and blood sugar level will be checked.
Uptake phase: You will be injected with the radiotracer and asked to lie quietly for about 1 to 1.5 hours. There are no side effects from this radiotracer. After this you will be transferred to the scan room.
Scanning phase: Scanning will take between 30 to 45 mins. The time may vary depending on the area of interest being scanned. It is important that you allocate plenty of time (approximately 3 hours) to be at the Centre.
After the Scan: PET / CT scan is a painless and safe procedure with no side effects. You can resume a normal diet and drink plenty of water to flush out the radiotracer from your body. Do not get close to children or pregnant women for at least 6 hours after the scan.
PET can effectively pinpoint the source of many of the most common cancers and give physicians important early information about heart and neurological diseases, eliminating the need for redundant tests and diagnostic surgical procedures.
Patients typically do not experience any reactions as a result of the PET / CT scan because the tracer material is processed by the body naturally. Therefore, no side effects are expected.
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