If your doctor has recommended a PET CT scan in Bangalore (Bengaluru), you probably have questions about the process, preparation, and what happens after. This is a practical guide covering everything from booking to getting your results. Step 1: Getting a Referral A PET CT scan is a specialised investigation. Your oncologist, surgeon, or treating physician will write a referral specifying which type of PET CT scan you need and why. The referral typically includes your diagnosis or suspected condition, the clinical question the scan needs to answer, and any relevant previous imaging or biopsy results. Bring this referral when you visit the nuclear medicine centre. It helps the reporting physician tailor the scan protocol and interpretation to your specific situation. Step 2: Booking Your Scan Call the nuclear medicine centre to schedule your appointment. When booking, mention: The type of PET CT scan your doctor requested (FDG, PSMA, FAPI, DOTANOC, etc.) Your cancer type and current treatment status Whether you are diabetic (important for FDG scans) Any previous PET CT scans (the centre may want comparison images) Dr. Prathap H.J. in Bangalore can be reached at +91 80505 97975 for PET CT scan bookings. Step 3: Preparing for the Scan For FDG PET CT (the most common type) Fast for 4 to 6 hours before the scan. Water is allowed. Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours before the scan. If you are diabetic, discuss blood sugar management with the centre beforehand. Your blood sugar should ideally be below 200 mg/dL at the time of the scan. Continue your regular medications unless told otherwise. Wear comfortable, loose clothing without metal zippers or buttons. For PSMA, FAPI, and DOTANOC PET CT No fasting required for most non-FDG tracers. PSMA scans may require you to drink extra water and empty your bladder frequently. FAPI scans have the simplest preparation with no dietary restrictions. Step 4: The Day of Your Scan Arrival and Registration (15 minutes) Arrive at the centre on time. You will complete registration paperwork and provide your referral letter, previous scan reports, and any relevant blood work. Tracer Injection (5 to 10 minutes) A small amount of radioactive tracer is injected into a vein in your arm. The injection feels like a regular blood draw. The tracer itself causes no side effects. Uptake Period (45 to 60 minutes for FDG; 10 minutes for FAPI) After injection, you rest quietly in a comfortable room. During this time, the tracer distributes through your body and accumulates in target tissues. For FDG scans, you need to stay still and avoid talking, reading, or using your phone, as muscle activity can affect the scan. For FAPI scans, the uptake period is much shorter. The Scan Itself (20 to 30 minutes) You lie on a scanning table that moves slowly through a large, open ring (not a closed tunnel like MRI). The scan is painless and quiet. You need to lie still during the scan. Most patients find it comfortable. After the Scan You can resume normal activities immediately. Drink plenty of water to help flush the tracer from your body. The radioactivity is very low and disappears within a few hours. Step 5: Getting Your Results The nuclear medicine physician analyses hundreds of images from your scan, comparing PET and CT data across your entire body. A detailed report is typically ready within 24 to 48 hours. The report includes: Findings in each body region (head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, skeleton) SUV values (standardised uptake values) for any abnormal areas Comparison with previous scans if available Clinical impression and recommendations Understanding SUV Values SUV (Standardised Uptake Value) is a number that quantifies how much tracer an area has absorbed. Higher SUV generally indicates more metabolic activity. SUV below 2.5 is often considered low and may represent benign processes SUV above 2.5 raises suspicion for malignancy, but context matters The absolute number is less important than the pattern and clinical context Your oncologist will interpret the SUV values in the context of your overall clinical picture. Do not try to self-diagnose based on SUV numbers alone. How Often Are PET CT Scans Repeated? During treatment: Interim scans may be done after 2 to 3 cycles of chemotherapy End of treatment: A scan 8 to 12 weeks after completing treatment Surveillance: Only when there is clinical suspicion of recurrence (rising markers, new symptoms) Routine surveillance PET CT scans without clinical indication are generally not recommended by international guidelines. Is a PET CT Scan Safe? Yes. The radiation dose from a single PET CT scan is approximately 10 to 25 mSv, which is comparable to other medical imaging procedures. For cancer patients, the diagnostic benefit of accurate staging and treatment monitoring far outweighs the minimal radiation risk. The radioactive tracer is not a dye or contrast agent. Allergic reactions are extremely rare. The tracer is excreted naturally through urine within a few hours. PET CT Scan in Bangalore: Practical Tips Plan for 2 to 3 hours at the centre (including preparation, uptake, and scanning) Bring a family member who can drive you home if you prefer not to drive Carry your previous scan CDs or reports for comparison If travelling from outside Bangalore, consider scheduling other appointments on the same trip Ask the centre for a soft copy of your report and images (most provide these digitally) Frequently Asked Questions Can I eat before a PET CT scan? For FDG PET CT scans, you must fast for 4 to 6 hours. For PSMA, FAPI, and DOTANOC scans, fasting is usually not required. The centre will provide specific instructions when you book. How long does a PET CT scan take in Bangalore? The entire visit takes 2 to 3 hours. The actual scan takes 20 to 30 minutes. The rest is preparation, tracer injection, and the uptake waiting period. Can I travel after a PET CT scan? Yes. You can travel immediately after the scan. There are no restrictions on driving, flying, or taking public transport. Will