When an oncologist or physician advises a Positron Emission Tomography – Computed Tomography (PET-CT) Scan, patients and family members often have questions regarding the procedure, safety, radiotracers, and overall costs in Indore. This guide serves as an authoritative overview prepared by our Nuclear Medicine faculty.
Key Takeaways at a Glance:
• Strict 6-Hour Fasting: Mandatory to ensure tumor cells absorb the radioactive glucose (18F-FDG) with maximum contrast.
• Blood Sugar Control: Fasting blood glucose must be strictly below 150 mg/dL.
• Scan Duration: Actual couch scan takes only 15-20 minutes; total facility time is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.
• Same-Day Reports: Dual-verified digital reports are issued within 6 to 8 hours.
1. What is a PET-CT Scan?
A PET-CT scan is a hybrid diagnostic imaging modality that integrates two distinct technologies into a single session:
- CT (Computed Tomography): Captures millimeter-precise anatomical cross-sections of bones, organs, and soft tissue.
- PET (Positron Emission Tomography): Uses a biological tracer (like Fluorodeoxyglucose or 18F-FDG) to record cellular metabolic activity.
Because malignant cancer cells undergo rapid, uncontrolled cell division, their rate of glycolysis (sugar consumption) is up to 20 times higher than normal tissues. When 18F-FDG is injected, cancer hot-spots absorb it voraciously and appear bright on the scan, allowing doctors to detect tumors smaller than 5 millimeters.
2. Major Indications for PET-CT in Indore
PET-CT is prescribed across multiple clinical specialties:
- Cancer Staging (TNM Staging): Identifying if primary cancer (lung, breast, colon, lymphoma, cervix) has metastasized to distant lymph nodes, liver, or bones.
- Assessment of Chemotherapy / Radiotherapy Response: Evaluating whether tumor metabolic activity has decreased after treatment cycles.
- Differentiating Scar Tissue from Recurrence: Distinguishing inactive post-surgical fibrosis from active tumor recurrence.
- Biopsy Targeting: Pinpointing the most biologically active region within a large necrotic mass for accurate tissue sampling.
3. Step-by-Step Preparation Protocol
Following preparation rules strictly prevents non-diagnostic or false-positive results:
- Fasting: No food or beverages (except plain unflavored water) for at least 6 hours prior to your appointment.
- Avoid Vigorous Exercise: Do not engage in gym workouts, heavy lifting, or running for 24 hours prior. Active muscle exertion causes muscles to absorb the tracer instead of the tumor.
- Diabetic Patients: Do not administer short-acting insulin on the morning of the scan without clinical guidance. Our staff performs a mandatory finger-prick glucometer test on arrival.
- Warm Clothes: Wear comfortable, metal-free clothing (no zippers or metallic jewelry).
4. PET-CT Scan Cost Structure in Indore
At our Indore centre, we maintain 100% transparent pricing without hidden radiotracer or contrast surcharges:
- 18F-FDG Whole Body Scan: ₹14,999 (Includes tracer dose, IV contrast, and dual-MD verified report).
- 68Ga-PSMA Prostate PET: ₹22,999.
- 68Ga-DOTATATE NET Scan: ₹24,999.
Dr. Rajesh Sharma
Senior Consultant Nuclear Medicine (Ex-AIIMS)
Dedicated to high-precision nuclear oncology imaging and patient-centric diagnostic safety at Molecular Diagnostics & Therapy Indore.