What is Pet-CT? Why and How to Take?

PET (Positron emission tomography) is an imaging test used to examine and evaluate the function of tissues and organs in the human body. In PET-CT scan, PET scan is combined with CT (Computerized tomography) scan to obtain 3D images of the body. Pet-CT scanning is done using a small amount of radioactive material, a special camera, and a computer to detect abnormal conditions in the body. With the help of Pet-CT, changes at the cellular level can be detected by a detailed examination. You can read the rest of the article to learn more about why and how Pet-CT scanning is done.

Why Pet-CT Scan?

Pet-CT scanning, PET and CT (Computed tomography) ) is an imaging method made by combining images obtained from scanning. Pet-CT scan is one of the types of nuclear medicine imaging. It is aimed to detect changes in the body by using a small amount of radioactive material in nuclear medicine imaging systems. Thanks to nuclear medicine, early diagnosis of the disease can be achieved by detecting changes in the cellular dimension. Nuclear medicine can also be used to determine whether patients are responding to treatments. The reasons for the withdrawal of Pet-CT scanning, one of the nuclear medicine imaging systems, can be listed as follows:

• Cancer diagnosis
• To determine whether any cancer has spread in the body
• What are the treatments applied? To evaluate how effective it is
• To determine whether cancer reoccurs after treatments
• Detection of inflammation, i.e. inflammatory changes and infection focus
• To evaluate neurological problems such as decreased blood supply in the brain
• Showing areas of reduced blood supply in the heart muscle

How to Take a Pet-CT?

When performing a Pet-CT scan, first select a safe amount for the body. radioactive material is injected into the vein. The substance usually used for this process is fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG). After the radioactive material is injected, the patient is asked to rest for a while. Because moving too much can cause the radioactive material to go to the wrong places. Therefore, you need to stand still. cells in the body The urea then absorbs the sugar (FDG). Cancer cells, which consume more energy than healthy cells, absorb more sugar. It may take approximately 30 to 60 minutes for the radioactive material to be fully absorbed by the body. Pre-drinking contrast dye from the Pet-CT scan can help produce sharper and clearer CT images. After the radioactive material is absorbed by the tissues and organs, the patient is placed in the Pet-CT device. The Pet-CT device is similar to a short tunnel containing both PET and CT scanning detectors. While the patient is in the device, a CT scan is also performed at the same time, and images of the body are taken from different angles. A computer combines the images obtained from PET and CT scans. Thus, the doctor can obtain a 3D image that shows tumors or other abnormal conditions occurring in the body. The imaging process may take approximately 30 minutes. However, this may take longer depending on which area is being examined. Various buzzing and clicking noises may occur during imaging. After the imaging is finished, the doctor and technicians may ask the patient to wait until they determine if more images are needed. Some situations may require more images to examine certain areas and situations more clearly and in detail. If there is no problem in the images, Pet-CT acquisition is terminated.

Pre-Pet-CT Preparation Process

Before the Pet-CT scan, patients undergo a preparation process. With the guidance of healthcare professionals, these preparation process steps, which are necessary for Pet-CT scanning to give more accurate results, can be listed as follows: In addition to these, it also asks if you have any allergies.

It is learned whether the patient is pregnant and breastfeeding.

The patient is warned not to eat or drink anything except water 6 hours before the Pet-CT scan. . Also, patients with diabetes should be told this to their doctor.

Run or run 24 hours before the scan. doing heavy exercises can affect the accuracy of the scans. Therefore, it is recommended not to do these for 24 hours before the scan.

It is advised not to wear any metal accessories such as prostheses, jewelry, glasses and hairpins during the scan, as they may cause problems during the scan.

During the Pet-CT scan. It is recommended that you wear comfortable clothes to be comfortable.

Patients who are afraid of being indoors can share this with their doctors. In such cases, you can take a mild sedative to stay calm during the procedure.

Patients can go home the same day after the pet-CT scan. Before you leave the health center, the healthcare professional or doctors can give you a few instructions on this. A small amount of radioactive material injected into the body loses its radioactive property over time through a natural process. Radioactive material can be excreted from the body through urine and feces for several hours or days from the Pet-CT scan. It is recommended to drink plenty of water to help remove the radioactive material from the body.

What are the Side Effects of Pet-CT?

The amount of radioactive material used in Pet-CT scans is small. In addition, this radioactive substance is generally safe as it does not stay in the body for a long time. However, in some cases, various side effects may occur. Especially the cases where side effects are seen can be listed as follows:

• It is recommended that pregnant or breastfeeding women should not have Pet-CT scanning. Because this can be harmful to the fetus. In addition, radiation can pass through breast milk to the baby and adversely affect the health of the baby. If it is medically necessary for breastfeeding mothers to have this examination, breastfeeding is discontinued for a while.
• The substances administered intravenously in the Pet-CT scan are not allergic, nevertheless, emergency medicine and supplies are always ready in case of any negativity that may occur during the examination.
• Sugar in the radioactive substance given to individuals with diabetes may not be absorbed. This may affect the captured images. Healthcare professionals may advise you to change your diet and medications some time before Pet-CT scanning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pet-CT can be used in the diagnosis and follow-up of various diseases. It is one of the helpful devices. You can find frequently asked questions and answers about Pet-CT in the rest of the article.

How Long Does it Take to Get the Pet-CT Result? The evaluation of the Pet-CT result is done by examining it by a nuclear medicine specialist who has been specially trained in this subject. The doctor prepares a report in the light of the information obtained and sends the report to the health professional. It may take approximately 1-3 days to get a Pet-CT result.
 How Many Months Is Pet-CT Taken?Pet-CT scan is one of the imaging systems used to measure vital functions such as blood flow and blood sugar metabolism in the body. If a healthcare professional suspects that the patient has cancer, they may likely request a Pet-CT scan. A Pet-CT scan can usually be taken once before the patient's treatment and once after the patient's treatment. In general, the frequency of Pet-CT scanning may vary according to the patient's own health status. Investigation of response to treatment can be repeated in cases such as evaluation of a complaint. Therefore, there is no frequency period for Pet-CT.

What is the Difference Between Pet-CT and Pet-CT? There is no difference between Pet-CT and Pet-CT. One is in English and the other is in Turkish. CT, which is the abbreviation of computed tomography, is computed tomography in English. Computed tomography is abbreviated as CT.

A Pet-CT scan is a safe imaging method used to examine a patient's cancer, tumor, inflammation, focus of infection, and blood supply problems in the brain and heart. If you think you need a pet-CT scan, you can apply to the nuclear medicine department to learn more about this.

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