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Is PET Scan Safe?

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PET Scan Mumbai
Is PET Scan Safe?

PET CT Scans are considered to be immensely helpful in the diagnosis of a variety of conditions, such as cancer, heart ailments, and brain disorders. Physicians use PET CT scans to diagnose the presence of disorders, measure the effectiveness of treatment, and check for reoccurrence of the condition, making them indispensable, especially when dealing with life-threatening conditions. However, undergoing PET scan involves amounts of radiation, making many people question, ‘Is PET scan risky?’

How is radiation used in PET CT Scan?

During the PET scan process, the first step involves being injected with a radioactive tracer. This radioactive tracer contains a small amount of radioactive material combined with a natural chemical, most often, glucose. This travels throughout the body, to all the cells. A PET scan then scans the entire body, using levels of radiation. Cancer cells tend to be active and are instantly highlighted in the images produced.

How much radiation exposure will a patient get?

Radiation is often linked directly to bombs or nuclear power. However, in reality, people are exposed to low levels of radiation every day, right from the technology we use to the gases present in the atmosphere. These levels of radiation are quite low and do not affect our body. The amount of radiation in a PET scan procedure is incredibly low as well, equal to the normal exposure accumulated over a period of time. Moreover, if a person is diagnosed with cancer or other ailments, they have a greater risk of being affected by these disorders, than PET CT Scan. However, there are many precautions to take, as PET scan may not be suitable for everyone.

What are the risks of PET scan?

PET scan does carry certain risks, which patients should be aware of:

  1. Pregnant women
    Pregnant women should not undergo a PET scan, as it may harm the developing infant.
  2. Breastfeeding Mothers
    While breastfeeding mothers can undergo a PET scan, they must avoid breastfeeding for 24 to 48 hours. It is essential to follow the doctor’s instructions to pump and discard breast milk.
  3. Young children
    Patients are advised to stay away from children from a few hours post the PET CT scan.
  4. Animals
    It is also recommended to keep a distance from any pets you may own, for a few hours after the scan.
  5. Allergy
    While it is uncommon, some people may have an allergic reaction to the tracer. If you are aware of any allergies, inform your doctor in advance for alternatives to be arranged.

When conducted by experts, the risks of PET CT scans are incredibly minimized. Hence, it is advised to consult a reputed center that offers high quality, safe scans performed by experts. PET CT Scan Mumbai is among the Best PET Scan Centres in India, owing to the precise and accurate scanning technology available in our state-of-the-art clinic. Aiding in a timely diagnosis of cancer and other ailments since its establishment, we use cutting-edge Discovery IQ technology that produces high-quality scans in a quick time, with maximum patient comfort. With highly-skilled technicians and radiologists, we ensure an accurate diagnosis of the highest standard of excellence, which has helped numerous patients overcome their condition with ease. Get an estimate, today.

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