PET or PET Scan stands for Positron Emission Tomography. It refers to a specialized radiology method and is used to examine different body tissues in order to understand their conditions. PET is also used to evaluate the progress of treatment. PET scan is widely done in the niche of neurology, cardiology and oncology while its usefulness in other areas of medical treatment is currently under research.
A special device is used for PET scanning. The scanning device having a larger hole at its heart is used to detect positrons which are subatomic particles and emitted by a radionuclide in the tissue or organ under examination.
A radioactive atom is attached to chemical substances to use the radiotracers during PET scanning. The attached substances are naturally used by the tissues or organ during metabolic process. Use of other substance during PET scan, however, depends on the purpose of scanning. If perfusion or blood flow of a tissue or an organ is what needs to be examined, radioactive carbon, oxygen, gallium or nitrogen can be used as radionuclide.
The radionuclide is applied to a vein via an IV (Intravenous) line. Next, the PET scanner is moved over the body part to be examined. Radionuclide breaks down and thereby, causing emission of positrons, which is responsible for creation of gamma rays. The rays are detected by the scanner and the same is analyzed by the computer. The information gathered is used to develop an image map of the tissue or organ currently being studied.
The amount of radionuclide built up in the tissue has a direct effect on the brightness of the tissue on the image, thereby indicating how well the tissue or organ is functioning.
The basic difference between these two is the way the images are conjured up. The scan images are extremely important for the doctors to diagnose the health problems and treat the same.
Some precautions must be taken before going for a PET scan test. Here are some tips for PET scan preparation.
The way you will get PET scan preparation depends on your personal medical conditions and history. PET scan cost in India ranges from 2000 rupees to 20000 rupees depending on different types and institutions.
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