General Information About the Test
Test Process and Preparation
It is predominantly used in Oncology for early cancer staging, finding metastases (spread), and monitoring whether chemotherapy is working. However, it also plays an important role in the diagnosis of brain diseases (Alzheimer's, epilepsy) and certain febrile rheumatic diseases of unknown origin.
Eating and drinking (except water) must be completely stopped at least 6 hours before the scan. Strenuous exercise should not be performed on the day of the scan. Diabetic patients must have a blood sugar level below a certain limit (usually 150 mg/dL); otherwise, the scan may be canceled.
Because a radioactive substance (FDG) is given intravenously, the patient emits a certain amount of radiation after the scan. Therefore, for safety, it is very important that the patient drinks plenty of water and stays away from pregnant women and small children for 24 hours following the scan.
From the time you arrive at the hospital, the wait time for the radioactive drug (FDG) to be administered and distributed throughout the body is about 1 hour. The actual scan time inside the device varies between 15 and 25 minutes, depending on the patient's height. In total, it is recommended to allocate 2 hours.
Yes, they can, but it requires very careful preliminary preparation. Because PET-CT works with radioactive sugar, high natural sugar levels in the blood prevent the drug from reaching the tumors. It is essential that blood sugar is below a certain level on the day of the test; therefore, the use of diabetes medications is adjusted according to the protocol determined by the physician.
The information on this page is for informational purposes only. The results of medical tests must be evaluated by specialist physicians.
