Persiapan Digital PET CT Scan Onkologi yang Harus Diperhatikan

The future of cancer care is becoming increasingly promising, thanks to advanced technology such as the Digital PET/CT Scan (Positron Emission Tomography - Computed Tomography). This innovation offers a highly accurate approach for diagnosing and monitoring cancer, making it a vital tool in modern oncology.

Digital PET/CT Scan is a hybrid medical imaging technique that combines PET (Positron Emission Tomography) and CT (Computed Tomography) to assess both the function and structure of organs and tissues. By detecting cellular-level changes, PET imaging enables early detection of disease—often before it is visible on other imaging modalities.

At Tzu Chi Hospital, Digital PET/CT scans utilize a radioactive tracer called F-18 Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) to highlight abnormal metabolic activity in the body. After intravenous injection, the FDG accumulates in cells with high metabolic rates, such as cancer cells. The emitted radiation from the tracer and low-dose X-rays are then used to generate precise images showing both the presence and location of abnormal cells. This procedure allows physicians to detect cancer early, locate metastatic spread, monitor recurrence, and evaluate treatment response—ensuring more effective treatment planning.

 

Preparation for Oncological Digital PET/CT Scan

To ensure a smooth and effective Digital PET/CT Scan, patients are required to follow several preparation guidelines:

• Female patients must confirm they are not pregnant.

• Discuss any underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or lactation, with the referring doctor.

• Inform your doctor about prior treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, biopsies, surgeries, or contrast imaging, as well as use of hematopoietic agents (e.g., G-CSF or EPO).

• Bring all relevant medical records: laboratory results, tumor markers, pathology/histology reports, and imaging scans (MRI, CT, or previous PET/CT scans).

• Fast for at least 6 hours before the scan; drinking water is allowed. Also avoid spicy or acidic foods, sugary items, caffeine, and alcohol. Adopt a low-carb, high-protein diet for 24 hours prior.

• Avoid strenuous activities—including exercise, household chores, sexual activity, and chewing gum or betel leaves—for 24 hours before the scan.

• Avoid exposure to cold temperatures for at least two days before the procedure.

 

Digital PET/CT Scan Procedure

On the day of the scan, it’s important for patients to arrive on time due to the time-sensitive nature of the radiotracer. The procedure involves the following steps:

• Patients will change into a hospital gown and must remove all metal objects, including jewelry, belts, zippers, clips, or bra underwires.

• A nurse will insert an intravenous catheter to administer the FDG tracer.

• Patients who are bed-bound must be accompanied by a family member (in compliance with BAPETEN regulations), and may be fitted with a diaper or catheter if needed for comfort.

• The scan takes approximately 45 minutes, during which the patient lies on a movable table that passes through the PET/CT scanner. Inform staff in advance if you have claustrophobia.

• A Nuclear Medicine Specialist will review the images to ensure comprehensive visualization of the entire body.

 

Post-Digital  PET/CT Scan Instructions

After the procedure, patients may resume eating and drinking. Although discharge is typically immediate, patients should avoid close contact with infants, children, pregnant or breastfeeding women for 4 hours. It is strongly recommended to drink plenty of water to help eliminate the radioactive tracer from the body.

Results are typically available within three days, and patients are advised to consult their referring physician to interpret the findings and determine the next steps in their treatment plan.

 

No Need to Travel Abroad for Digital PET/CT Scans!

If you require a Digital PET/CT scan, there is no need to seek care overseas. Tzu Chi Hospital, located in Pantai Indah Kapuk, offers this advanced diagnostic service along with custom medical travel packages, including airport pick-up and accommodation, for patients outside the Greater Jakarta area.

To book your scan, please contact the Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Theranostics Center via WhatsApp at 0811-1996-4355.

 

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