The introduction of imaging tests is one of the greatest breakthroughs in medical science. They involve state-of-the-art equipment to generate high-quality images of the body. The results of these tests help diagnose several conditions so that a proper treatment plan can be created at the right time. A timely diagnosis helps health conditions from aggravating. Three of the most well-known imaging tests available in Indian hospitals include PET scans, CT scans, and MRIs.
Here are the prime differences between the three.
What is a PET Scan?
Positron emission tomography, or PET scan, uses a special dye containing radioactive tracers to identify how well the organs function inside the body. These tracers are inhaled, swallowed, or injected into the veins, after which the scan detects their activity inside the body. The tracers collect in the areas where the chemical activity of the body is high. It is typically a sign of cancer.
In some cases, PET scans may also be used with other imaging tests to diagnose any existing condition.
- Detection of cancer or tracking its progress
- Assessment of brain damage or disorders, such as seizures, tumours, and cognitive issues.
- Evaluation of damage to the heart after a heart attack
- Analyse the state of coronary artery disease.
What is a CT Scan?
Computed tomography, or CT scan, works similarly to an X-ray, with the only difference being that the images obtained are three-dimensional and of better quality. These scans are used to get detailed pictures of your organs, bones, and tissues.
The doctor recommends a CT scan in case of joint problems or any critical condition like heart disease or cancer. To diagnose cancer, a CT scan is used with a PET scan. The results help the doctor study these critical conditions and find evidence of internal bleeding, clots, etc. In some cases, the doctor may use a contrast dye to get more clarity on the resulting images.
What is an MRI?
Magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI Scan, is a screening used to take detailed pictures of the internal organs. Instead of using X-ray technology, an MRI utilises powerful magnets, computer technology, and radio waves to generate images. The doctor may use it with or without a contrast dye on the patient to see the internal structures more clearly.
During this procedure, you will be told to lay in a tube-like machine, producing a strong magnetic field to create images. These images are then processed and stored in a computer. Unlike a CT scan, the procedure doesn’t require radiation.
An MRI helps diagnose problems in various areas and includes the evaluation of blood vessels, the brain, spinal cord, joints, breasts, and abdominal organs.
What Sets PET Scans apart from CT scans and MRIs?
PET scans are different from MRI and CT scans as they use a radioactive tracer to show how an organ is functioning in real-time. The images obtained from these scans help detect cellular changes in the organ and tissues earlier than CT and MRI scans. These factors make them a more favourable approach to diagnosing serious diseases such as cancer. Sometimes, the healthcare provider performs a PET scan and CT scan together – PET CT. The combination produces 3D images that help diagnose the condition more accurately.
Some hospitals also use a hybrid PET/MRI scan. This newly-introduced technology creates high-contrast images, better than individual scans. It is used for diagnosing and monitoring cancers of soft tissues, such as the brain, neck, liver, head, and pelvis.
What to Expect During a PET Scan?
Here’s how a PET scan is performed:
- The healthcare provider will give you an IV injection of a radiotracer combining a safe amount of a radioactive drug. In most cases, fluorodeoxyglucose is used during the test.
- You will be allowed to sit for an hour while the radiotracer moves through your bloodstream and is absorbed by the tissues and organs. Too much activity should be strictly avoided during this time.
- Before a PET/CT scan, you will be given an IV injection of a contrast dye to produce sharper CT images.
- You will be made to lie on the examination table that slides in and out of the scanner. Shaped like a donut, this machine will produce images of the organs. Throughout the scan, you will hear buzzing and clicking sounds.
- The images so produced will be reviewed on the computer screen. The whole procedure takes about 30 minutes to complete. In some cases, it may take more time.
Takeaway
All the above-listed imaging tests are used for the diagnosis of several health issues in the body. Your healthcare provider will assess your medical condition and other health concerns to determine the suitable test for you. The best examination is the one that aligns with your unique needs. Follow your doctor’s recommendation and prepare yourself for the examination accordingly.
