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Diagnostic radioisotope PET scans 

What are diagnostic radioisotope PET scans? 

Diagnostic radioisotope PET scans are nuclear medicine imaging techniques that use positron emission tomography (PET) to detect the distribution of radioisotopes (also called radiopharmaceuticals or radioactive tracers) in the body. These radioisotopes bind to specific molecules involved in biological processes, allowing these processes to be visualized and quantified in real time. The choice of radioisotope depends on the biological process that is to be studied. 

What is this diagnostic procedure for? 

Diagnostic radioisotope PET scans are used for a wide variety of purposes, including: 

  • Oncology: 
  • Detection and staging of cancer. 
  • Monitoring the response to cancer treatment. 
  • Differentiation between scar tissue and tumor recurrence. 
  • Neurology: 
  • Diagnosis and evaluation of neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease). 
  • Localization of epileptic foci. 
  • Assessment of traumatic brain injuries. 
  • Cardiology: 
  • Diagnosis and evaluation of myocardial ischemia (reduced blood flow to the heart). 
  • Assessment of myocardial viability (the ability of the heart muscle to recover after a heart attack). 
  • Infectious diseases: 
  • Detection of infections and inflammation. 

Benefits of advanced technology in diagnostic radioisotope PET scans 

Diagnostic radioisotope PET scans offer a number of key benefits thanks to the incorporated technology: 

  • Visualization of biological processes: they allow biological processes to be visualized and quantified in real time, providing valuable information for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. 
  • Early detection: they allow diseases to be detected at an early stage, before symptoms appear. 
  • Diagnostic accuracy: they improve diagnostic accuracy compared to conventional imaging techniques. 

Treatment personalization: they facilitate the personalization of treatment, allowing the treatment to be adapted to the individual characteristics of each patient. 

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What does the procedure involve?

The diagnostic radioisotope PET procedure is generally carried out as follows: 

  • Preparation:

    The preparation varies depending on the radioisotope used and the biological process being studied. In general, you will be asked to fast for at least 4 to 6 hours before the procedure. It’s important to tell your doctor about any allergies you have and about all the medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. 
  • During the procedure:

    You will be injected with a small amount of the radioisotope into a vein in your arm. After a waiting period (which varies depending on the radioisotope), you will lie down on a table that slides into the PET scanner. Images of your body will be taken with the PET scanner. Image acquisition typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes. 
  • After the procedure:

    You can resume your normal activities immediately after the procedure. You will be advised to drink plenty of fluids to help eliminate the radioisotope from your body. 

Recommendations for the procedure 

Remember that it is important to adhere to the following recommendations to ensure the quality of the test and your comfort: 

  • Follow the preparation instructions: follow all preparation instructions provided by your doctor or hospital staff carefully. 
  • Report allergies and medications: it’s important to tell your doctor about any allergies you have and about all the medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. 
  • Drink plenty of fluids: drink plenty of fluids before and after the procedure. 
  • Inform about pregnancy or breastfeeding: if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your doctor. 

Are there any risks? 

Diagnostic radioisotope PET scans are generally considered safe, but like any medical procedure involving radiation, there are some minor risks to consider: 

  • Exposure to radiation: radiation exposure is low and considered safe. Your doctor will assess whether the benefits outweigh the risks. 
  • Allergic reactions: in rare cases, allergic reactions to the radioisotope may occur. 
  • Discomfort at the injection site: you may experience discomfort at the injection site. 

To ensure your procedure runs smoothly, we ask that you arrive before the scheduled time. This will allow us to complete the necessary administrative and clinical preparation. 

Before the procedure, we will give you the Informed Consent form, a document with important information that you must read and sign. 

If your appointment is for an MRI, it is crucial that you inform us about the presence of pacemakers, metallic objects, prostheses (including dental prostheses), tattoos, or drug infusion devices such as insulin pumps. 

These diagnostic tests are very safe, but as with any medical procedure, there is still the unlikely possibility of an incident. 

Do you need to undergo this procedure?

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