If you are looking for What precautions should you take after a PET CT scan? PET CT is one of the most developed radiological tests used to search for various diseases and cancers in specific. The test can also detect neurological and cardiac abnormalities. The test is helpful to detect the condition very early even if symptoms are not apparent to the patient.
List of PET CT Scan Side Effects
Radiation Exposure
- Exposure to radiation in PET CT procedure is one of the fundamental and most frequently occurring side effects of PET CT test.
- Repeated scans can expose the body to radiation again and again, which can cause health conditions.
- Limited exposure to radiation is not harmful but in some conditions such as pregnancy, it can be harmful.
- The level of radiation during the test is minimal but pregnant women and children are sensitive to minimal exposure. It may cause abnormal conditions in women.
Allergic Reactions to Radioactive Tracer
- Radioactive tracers such as FDG glucose are used in PET CT scan. This may produce allergies in individuals.
- There may be mild to severe allergies with radioactive tracers.
- Mild allergies may involve vomiting, nausea, rash, redness etc.
- Severe allergic symptoms may involve such conditions as trouble in breathing, swelling, shortness of breath, issues in certain organs such as the kidney.
- Severe allergic reactions require urgent medical care and can be treated in hospital.
Uncomfort from Injection
- Few patients can be very uncomfortable with infection of radioactive tracers.
- There are side effects such as redness, pain, swelling following the injection.
- There are findings such as tenderness or bruising which persist following injection.
- Inflammation at the area of injection accompanied by rash.
- Chances of infection where the injection was administered.
Diabetic Patient Low Blood Sugar
- Diabetic patients should be cautious while doing the test and reveal the condition prior to undergoing the test.
- The doctor will teach the diabetic patient how to take the radioactive tracer.
- Unhealthy insulin absorption can cause serious issues, if the patient becomes hypoglycemia.
- Diabetic patients are always advised with special instructions in order to prevent any form of side effect or unpredictability associated with PET CT scan.
Adverse Effects of Contrast Dye
- PET CT scan utilizes contrast dye to scan and take good images of the site.
- Contrast employed in PET CT scan may have different side effects such as nausea, headache, vomiting and other medical conditions.
- There is a possible rare risk of infection at the injection site.
- Contrast dye adversely affects the kidneys and may cause kidney failure in a few cases.
Temporary Radiation Build-up in the Body
- PET CT scan employs radioactive radiation, which increases the body’s radiation level for a period of time.
- Residuals of radioactive tracer within the body following contrast dye.
- Avoid touching infants, children and other individuals for approximately 12-24 hours until radiation reduces.
- Consumption of water in significant amounts to remove radioactive tracers.
Pregnancy and Breast Feeding Issues
- Pregnant females must not undergo PET CT scan because of radiation exposure.
- In emergency need, immediate PET CT scan can be done following certain procedures.
- Avoid breast feeding for 24 hours after PET CT scan, so that dye and radiation will be neutralized until then.
Claustrophobia and Anxiety
- PET CT is a closed space machine, which may cause fear of closed spaces among patients (claustrophobia).
- Tests can also cause anxiety in patients.
- Some patients will feel restless and uneasy thinking about test results.
- The patient needs a lying down position for around 30-60 minutes, which may not be comfortable for some patients.
Fatigue After the Scan
- PET CT procedure is complicated and hectic, patients can experience fatigue.
- Patients have to fast for a minimum of 6 hours, which is the reason for fatigue and tiredness.
- Intake of food and water can restore the strength after a few hours of testing.
Some Rare Side Effects
- Patients might experience dizziness, headache, vomiting etc.
- These do not need any medication and recover after a few hours.
- Certain allergic responses may also cause kidney damage or failure in extremely rare instances.
What Precautions Should be Taken After a PET CT Scan?
- Drink lots of water
- Stay away from children for 24 hours
- Follow medical advise
- Expose any allergic status prior to proceeding for test
- Remain in contact with physician until the symptoms subside
Conclusion
PET CT scan is a highly efficient and advanced test utilized to search for medical conditions such as cancer, neurological disorders and cardiac abnormalities. What precautions should you take after a PET CT scan? PET CT scan employs radiation along with radioactive tracer, which assists in identifying the condition in a very early stage even though symptoms cannot be seen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are PET CT scans cancer-causing?
The risk is very low, but exposure to radiation will slightly elevate long-term risk. Benefits generally exceed this worry.
Q. Is PET CT safe for kids?
It is avoided unless absolutely essential because kids are very sensitive to radiation.
Q. Does PET CT lead to kidney issues?
There can be some issues concerning kidneys in some very rare instances because of PET CT scan.
Q. What are the PET CT scan side effects?
There are some side effects such as allergy, radiation exposure, not suitable for pregnant women etc.
Q. What to avoid when having a PET scan?
You should avoid food containing sugar and carbohydrates 24 hours beforehand, including sweet drinks, bread, pasta, and fruit, and do not chew gum, mints, or consume caffeine or alcohol before the test.
