Digital PET CT Scan Improve Cancer Screening

Technological advancements in medicine are opening new possibilities for faster and more accurate cancer detection and management. One such innovation, the Digital PET/CT Scan, plays a vital role in diagnosing and monitoring cancer therapy.

As one of the few hospitals in Indonesia equipped with Digital PET/CT Scan technology, Tzu Chi Hospital is committed to continuous innovation and providing the highest quality care for cancer patients. Learn more about the benefits and advantages of Digital PET/CT Scan in this article.

 

What Is a Digital PET/CT Scan?

A PET/CT Scan is a hybrid imaging technique that combines Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT). This combination enables both functional and anatomical assessment of organs and tissues. By detecting cellular-level changes, PET scans can reveal early stages of disease — even before structural abnormalities are visible through other imaging modalities.

 

How Does a Digital PET/CT Scan Work?

The procedure involves several key steps:

• Radiotracer Injection: A radiopharmaceutical agent is injected into the patient's body, serving as a radiotracer. At Tzu Chi Hospital, the radiotracer used is 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), a compound similar to glucose. Cells with higher metabolic activity, such as cancer cells, absorb and retain the tracer.

• Imaging: Once the tracer has distributed throughout the body, imaging is performed using a PET/CT scanner. The scanner detects the radiation emitted by the tracer and combines it with low-dose X-ray imaging to produce detailed, precise images of abnormal cells and their exact locations. Tzu Chi Hospital uses a Low-Dose CT Scan (LDCT) to minimize radiation exposure while maintaining imaging quality.

• Analysis: The images are interpreted by a Nuclear Medicine Specialist. The analysis assists doctors in diagnosing cancer, identifying the location of the primary tumor and metastases, detecting recurrence, and evaluating the response to therapy.

 

 

Why Choose Tzu Chi Hospital’s Digital PET/CT Scan for Cancer Detection?

Unlike MRI or conventional CT scans, which focus on structural changes such as the size and shape of organs, PET/CT highlights functional and metabolic activity — enabling detection before anatomical changes occur.

PET/CT technology has evolved significantly, progressing from analog systems to today’s Digital PET/CT Scans. Here’s why Digital PET/CT at Tzu Chi Hospital offers a superior experience:

• Faster, More Comfortable Scanning: Thanks to the LightBurst Digital Detector and MotionFree technology, imaging is highly sensitive and quicker, reducing the time patients spend inside the scanner.

• Lower Radiation Exposure: The AutoIN feature automatically adjusts radiation doses based on each patient's specific needs, minimizing unnecessary exposure without compromising image quality.

• Sharper, High-Quality Imaging: Using TrueFidelity Imaging powered by artificial intelligence (AI), Digital PET/CT delivers clearer, more detailed images — helping doctors make more accurate and confident diagnoses.

 

You no longer need to go overseas for advanced cancer screening. Digital PET/CT Scan services are available at Tzu Chi Hospital. For patients living outside the Greater Jakarta area, Tzu Chi Hospital also offers the Staycation Medical Travel PET Scan Package, combining health care and comfort in one visit.

If you require a PET/CT Scan, please contact the Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Theranostics Center at Tzu Chi Hospital via WhatsApp at 081119964355. Your health and well-being are always our priority.

 

This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Christilia Oktaviani, Sp.KN-TM.