PET-CT Scan is a combined medical procedure that involves both a PET scan and CT Scan. This procedure helps to diagnose issues related to brain disorders, heart diseases, cancer, and other illness like epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, and more. This procedure is done with the use of a radioactive drug that is swallowed or injected by the patient which then ejects gamma rays and reveals the biochemical changes in the body or the organ of the patient. This allows the doctors to trace and image the organ or the tissue to diagnose further.
There are various types of PET-CT Scan procedures used for specific organs or cases. It is part of the radiology tests and is often one of the most expensive tests around due to the procedure involved. This test requires a doctor’s prescription without which it cannot be done.
How PET-CT Scan Works (The Complete Procedure)
The entire process begins with a pre-evaluation and preparation test. This involves the checking of the patient’s vital stats, their medical history, abstinence of food and liquids before the tests, and more. It is also advised to lower or avoid the caffeine intake before the test and also not undertake any food six hours before the procedure.
Once the preparation is done, the procedure begins. In this, a radioactive dye along with the glucose compound is injected into the veins or administered orally to the patient. The patient is then required to sit on the char for an hour to help the dye mix into the bloodstream. Once the dye is absorbed into the bloodstream, the patient is moved into the tunnel-shaped scanner. There the patient will be scanned and imaging will be received in the computer depicting the internal biochemical changes. The process requires around 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on the type and the condition.
The cost of a PET- CT Scan test depends on various factors like:
Note:
PET-CT Scan is a major radiology test conducted to diagnose and identify the issues related to the brain, heart, and other tissues. A timely diagnosis of the bodily organs and their changes will help in proper treatment and cure before it creates a further issue for the patient.