What is a PET-CT Scan?

A PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography), usually performed as a PET-CT, is an advanced imaging test that shows how organs and tissues are functioning. Unlike CT or MRI that primarily show structure, PET reveals metabolic activity — how cells use energy — using a small radioactive tracer (commonly FDG).

Doctors commonly recommend PET scans for cancer detection, staging, treatment response assessment, recurrence detection, infection evaluation, and selected heart and brain conditions. At Henotic Diagnostics, PET-CT scans are performed on modern digital scanners with specialist nuclear medicine reporting for timely, accurate results.

How PET and CT Work Together

Together: PET + CT provides both metabolic and anatomic information, helping clinicians detect disease earlier and plan treatment more accurately.

When is a PET Scan Needed?

• Cancer diagnosis and staging (lung, breast, lymphoma, colorectal, head & neck, cervical, prostate, and others)
• Checking whether cancer has spread (metastasis)
• Evaluating response to chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy
• Detecting cancer recurrence after treatment
• Assessing unexplained fever, infection, or inflammation
• Selected cardiac and neurological evaluations

PET Scan Price in Mumbai & Navi Mumbai

Final cost depends on tracer used, contrast requirement, body coverage, and the referring doctor’s protocol.

PET Scan Preparation (Most Important)

24 hours before the scan

• Avoid strenuous exercise, gym, running, cycling, or heavy physical work.
• Eat a low-carbohydrate, high-protein or light diet if advised.
• Drink plenty of water.

6 hours before the scan

• Do not eat any food; plain water is allowed and encouraged.
• Avoid tea, coffee, juice, milk, and sugary drinks.
• Take regular medicines unless your doctor instructs otherwise; diabetic patients need special timing guidance for insulin and meals.

Pre-requisites before arrival

• Doctor’s prescription or referral
• Previous CT, MRI, PET, biopsy, or treatment records
• Recent blood sugar report if diabetic
• ID proof and registration details
• Inform the center if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, claustrophobic, or unable to lie flat for 30–45 minutes

Step-by-Step PET Scan Procedure

1. Registration & blood sugar check
   Your blood sugar is checked because high sugar can affect scan accuracy.
2. Tracer injection
   A tiny IV injection of FDG tracer is given. It is painless except for the needle prick.
3. Resting uptake period (45–60 min)
   Relax quietly while the tracer circulates through the body.
4. Scanning (20–30 min)
   Lie on the scanner table while it moves slowly through the machine. The scan is open at both ends and generally well tolerated.
5. Completion & hydration
   After the scan, drink extra water and empty your bladder frequently to help clear the tracer.

How Long Does a PET Scan Take?

Actual scanning time is usually only 20–30 minutes; the waiting period after injection makes the visit longer.

Is PET Scan Painful or Safe?

Generally safe. Only the IV injection causes a brief needle prick. The radioactive tracer dose is small and medically approved. Most adults can resume normal activities afterward. Pregnant women should avoid PET scans unless specifically advised by a specialist.

After the PET Scan

• Drink 2–3 liters of water over the next several hours.
• Urinate frequently to eliminate the tracer.
• Avoid prolonged close contact with infants and pregnant women for about 6–8 hours if advised.
• Resume normal meals unless told otherwise.

PET Scan Reporting Time

Fast reporting: Reports are usually available the same day or within 24 hours. Scans are reviewed by a Nuclear Medicine Specialist and correlated with CT images. Complex oncology cases may take slightly longer. You receive a detailed PET-CT report, key findings/impression, and digital images or cloud access.

Who Should Avoid or Delay a PET Scan?

• Pregnancy (unless urgently required)
• Uncontrolled high blood sugar (often >200 mg/dL; may need rescheduling)
• Recent major surgery, biopsy, or severe infection without discussion with your doctor
• Inability to remain still during the scan (sedation may be considered)

PET-CT vs CT vs MRI — Quick Comparison

PET-CT is often the most informative test when clinicians need to know whether a suspicious area is biologically active or cancerous.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

SEO / AEO Quick Answer

What is a PET scan? A PET scan uses a small radioactive glucose tracer to detect abnormal cell activity. It is commonly combined with CT (PET-CT) to diagnose, stage, and monitor cancer.

• Preparation: 6-hour fasting; water allowed; avoid exercise for 24 hours.
• Total time: About 90–150 minutes (scan itself 20–30 minutes).
• Price in Mumbai/Navi Mumbai: Typically ₹14,000–₹28,000 (varies by tracer and protocol).
• Report time: Same day or within 24 hours.

Book Your PET-CT Scan

To book: Please contact Henotic Diagnostics with your doctor’s referral and any prior imaging reports. Bring ID and recent blood sugar report if diabetic. Inform the center about pregnancy, breastfeeding, or claustrophobia when booking.

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