2 Soi Soonvijai 7, New Petchburi Rd, Bangkok, Thailand
US$ 235.71
Common Terms Used
Health Check-Up MRI/PET/CT Scans
Health Check-Up MRI/PET/CT Scans Information
PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Scan
Estimated Cost: $2000 - $3000
Why Do I Need a PET Scan?
PET
Scans are often able to find cancers that have spread inside the body.
A CT or MRI scan tells the doctor what an organ looks like, and where a
tumour is. A PET scan shows how cells and organs in your body are
working. A PET scan can measure how much energy a
tumour is using. Scar tissue and tumours that have responded to
chemotherapy or radiotherapy do not use much energy. Cells and tumours
that are growing or active use a lot of energy. A PET scan can help
tell the difference between these types of cells.
How is a PET Scan Performed?
A
PET scanner is a special camera that can take pictures of the inside of
your body by sensing a radioactive tracer. For most studies this
tracer is a radioactive glucose (sugar) called FDG. Before your PET
scan you will be given an injection of a small amount of radioactive
glucose. Cells in the body absorb glucose at different rates. The PET
scan can measure how much radioactive glucose is being used. This
reflects the cells’ metabolism. A PET scan may find disease before it
shows up on other tests. It can tell doctors how a disease responds to
treatment.
When is a PET Scan Used?
Epilepsy: to show seizure focus (where the seizures are coming from).
Alzheimer’s disease: to show areas of reduced glucose metabolism.
Parkinson’s disease: to show areas of reduced function.
Brain Tumours: to see if recurrent tumour is present.
Cancer: to show areas of increased glucose metabolism for staging.
Heart problems: to show blood flow and metabolism.
What Happens When I Come for a Test?
You
will receive an injection of a radioactive tracer. The length of time
between the injection and the scan depends on how long it takes the
tracer to get to the part of your body being scanned.
Most often, this will be 45 minutes to an hour. If you are having a heart study you may not need to wait at all. During the waiting time you may notread, talk or listen to music. For some exams you may be asked to wait
in a quiet dimly lit room so as not to stimulate your brain by reading
or talking.
How Do I Prepare for a Pet Scan?
Do not eat or drink anything for 6 hours before your test (including gum).
If you take medicines every day, take them with a small sip of water.
If
you have been told not to take your medicines on an empty stomach
please do not eat more than 2 or 3 soda crackers within 4-6 hours of
your exam.
If you have diabetes please let us
know ahead of time so we can work with your doctor to find the safest
way for you to get ready for your test.
If you
have any problems with claustrophobia or pain, your doctor may
prescribe medicine to help you relax and make you comfortable during
your exam. If medicine is prescribed you must arrange for someone to
drive you home.
If you are pregnant or breast feeding let us know.
Please bring your MRI or CT films with you if they were taken at a hospital or clinic other than UW Hospital.
What is a PET scan like?
You
will lie on a table that moves slowly through the ring- like PET
scanner. You must lie very still because movement can affect the
test. You should feel normal during the test. It can last 30 minutes
to 2 hours.
What happens after the scan?
You
may leave as soon as the scan is complete. You will be able to eat and
drink right away unless you have been told not to. Drink a lot of
fluids the day of the test to help clear the tracer from your system.
What Are the Risks of Having a PET Scan?
The
radiation you receive is about the same as what you would receive from
a bone scan; a test often done in Nuclear Medicine. The radioactive
tracer does not remain in your body for very long. There is no reason
to avoid being around other people once you have left. To be extra
safe avoid being around infants or women who are pregnant for a couple
of hours after the scan.
