PET CT is a diagnostic imaging test primarily used for detection of cancer and several other ailments. The PET-CT Scan is a test that is done on a special PET-CT Machine which performs the 2 scans together. In the Whole Body PET CT Scan a single scanner performs CT Scan for anatomical image capture and a PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography) for measuring molecular imaging uptake of radiopharmaceutical isotopes, most common of which is the 18F-FDG Isotope. The Whole Body FDG PET CT scan is most commonly used for studying cancer, and has since decades played an instrumental role in the medical industry's fight against cancer by enabling better cancer diagnostics.

Types of PET-CT Scan 
Your doctor will advise you which tracer is best for your PET CT scan. The following PET scan tracers and protocols are available with EVE:

• PET Scan Whole Body:
Whole Body 18F-FDG PET CT Scan (18F-Fluoro Deoxy Glucose). This is the most common scan and comprises 90% of all PET Scans.

• For Prostate: Ga68 labelled PSMA (Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen) PSMA PET CT Scan. PSMA is better at localizing cases of Prostate Cancer compared to the Whole Body FDG PET Scan.
• For Neuroendocrine Tumors: Ga68 labelled DOTA - DOTA PET-CT Scan. DOTA is better at localizing cases of NETs (Neuroendocrine Tumors) compared to the Whole Body FDG PET Scan.
• For Abdomen: Whole Body FDG PET-CT with Triple Phase CT Upper Abdomen.
• For Cardiac Viability Assessment: Cardiac PET-CT (FDG PET CT Scan + Cardiac Test Component on a Gamma Camera).

Preparation for PET-CT Scan
• Fasting:4-6 hours of fasting is required. Overnight fasting is preferred. During the fasting period, only plain water is allowed.

• Ongoing Medication:
Kindly inform us about any ongoing medications, as you may require special preparation for your examination.

• Advice for Diabetics for Whole Body PET CT Scan:
Diabetic patients should have a light breakfast at 6:00 AM on the day of the test and must take the prescribed medication. It is important not to miss diabetic medication on the morning of the test. Please inform us about your diabetic prescription so that we can plan accordingly for your test.

• Creatinine and Urea Tests:
It is mandatory to have blood test levels for serum creatinine and urea checked before the examination. In case of high creatinine levels, please consult our doctor for further advice.

• Clinical Records:
While coming for your PET scan, please bring all relevant medical records for reference (doctor’s prescription, previous CT/MRI films with reports, treatment summary, discharge papers, surgery details, biopsy/post-surgery histopathology reports, etc.). Submission of these records helps doctors with case-specific diagnostic details.

• Old Records:
If a prior PET scan has been performed, kindly bring the DICOM version in a CD along with reports. Without the CD of the previous PET scan, it will not be possible to compare for improvement or deterioration in cancer.

Time Taken for the PET CT Scan
The entire PET CT scan procedure takes around 3-4 hours. The scanning time itself is approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on the clinical conditions.

PET Scan:

• The Positron Emission Tomography (PET) component marks the most actively isotope uptake cells in the body. During the test, a small dosage of radioactive tracers is injected into the patient. This molecule is an isotope that is actively absorbed by the most active cancer cells in the body. The uptake of the tracer is measured by the PET scan component of the PET/CT scan to highlight and mark most cancers.

CT Scan:

• The Computed Tomography (CT) scan is used for anatomical localization of the body. A diagnostic-quality CT scan is performed along with the PET scan for the anatomical evaluation of the test. Prior to the scan, all patients are given oral contrast (positive/negative) to drink. During the scan, intravenous contrast is injected (unless creatinine is high, there is a history of prior allergy, or at the referring physician’s discretion).

Additional Sequencing (If Required):
In cases such as the Whole Body PET-CT with Triple Phase Abdomen, or if required by the nuclear physician, you may be asked to spend an additional few minutes in the machine after the routine PET scan for delayed or other phase acquisitions.

Wait for Films and a CD:
     In most cases, your Films and CD will be available within a couple of hours of the scan.

Wait for Reports:
     Since a PET-CT scan is a detailed investigation, our team of doctors will review and report your study within 24-48 working hours. You will receive an SMS regarding your report as soon as the PET scan and other tests (if any) are approved.

How Does EVE Offer Low-Cost PET Scans?
     Knowing that PET-CT scans are a leading tool for cancer diagnostics, we at EVE make a conscious effort to bring prices down as much as possible. Here’s how we achieve that:

• No-Commission/Referral Policy - Cutting Out the Middleman:
     Many imaging centers and hospitals partner with aggregators or 3rd party websites at a referral/commission cost to drive volumes for PET scans. At EVE, we avoid such financial relationships and extend this benefit directly to the customer as a discount.

• Profits by Volumes:
     At EVE, we strongly believe that our profits come from high volumes, not high prices. However, we acknowledge that this approach sometimes leads to waiting times at our facilities. Despite this, we strive to provide industry-leading quality at a significantly subsidized cost.

• Market-Leading Technology:
     For PET scans, we use industry-leading technology such as Germany-based SIEMENS and USA-based GE PET-CT scanners at all our branches. Better technology enables us to lower downtime, manage routine maintenance more effectively, and operate leaner while delivering best-in-class results at an affordable price.

• Experienced Nuclear Medicine Doctors:
     Every PET scan at EVE is reported by our team of experienced Nuclear Medicine Physicians in India. We believe that investing in experienced doctors leads to high-quality clinical reports, which in turn generates valued word-of-mouth marketing from satisfied patients.

For inquiries or to book a scan, please contact our Dedicated PET-CT Helpline Number: 9990032078.