PET-CT scan in China

What the exam is

PET-CT combines two exams. A small amount of radioactive material, called a radiotracer, shows how tissues are functioning, and a CT scan shows where. The most common radiotracer is F-18 FDG, which behaves like glucose.

The radiotracer is injected and needs 30 to 60 minutes to accumulate before imaging. The scan itself takes about 30 minutes, so the whole appointment typically runs one to two hours.

What it is used for

Doctors commonly order this exam to assess:

• Detecting cancer
• Checking how well a cancer treatment is working
• Checking whether a cancer has returned
• Some heart and brain conditions

This list describes how the exam is used in general. It is not advice about your situation. Whether you need this exam is a decision for a doctor.

How to prepare

• Fast for several hours beforehand: no food, sugar or drinks with calories. Drinking water is encouraged.
• Remove metal objects and jewellery.
• Afterwards, drink plenty of water to help flush the radiotracer out of your body.

What to tell the hospital beforehand

• Diabetes. Patients with diabetes receive separate preparation instructions.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Limits and risks to know about

• PET-CT uses a small dose of radiotracer plus the radiation of a CT scan. Whether it is the right exam is a decision for the ordering doctor.

How we arrange it

You tell us the exam, the body area and when you plan to be in China. We reply with the hospital, the appointment date and a written quote. After the scan you receive your images as DICOM files and the radiologist's report in English, with the original Chinese report.

Read the full process →