Overview of F-DOPA PET Scan
F-DOPA stands for Fluorodopa. F-DOPA PET Scan is primarily used in Parkinson’s disease and progressive neuroendocrine tumors are particularly noted with F- DOPA scan in the region of the brain (NETs).
A positron emission tomography (PET) radioactive tracer that has the capability to visualize the nerve terminals of dopaminergic neurons, Fluorodopa F18 (F-Dopa), was recently cleared by the FDA. With the help of its aid, Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other parkinsonian syndromes can be diagnosed. The brain uptake of the tracer is reduced in these patients.
F-Dopa has been used for many years in research and is now approved for use in the clinic. The tracer was used only for research, so medical insurance did not compensate for the treatment. F-Dopa clearance by the FDA raises the potential that eventually the insurance companies will pay for F-Dopa PET imaging.
Why Is The F-DOPA Scan Done?
This diagnosis of dementia is FDA approved. This test is also advised by physicians to test for Alzheimer’s changes. Parkinson’s usually happens together with Alzheimer’s.
F Dopa Scan VS DaTscan SPECT
The use of F-Dopa imaging will be comparable to the use of DaTscan imaging. Dopamine transporter is visible with the radioactive agent DaTscan for single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), which also labels neurons as F-Dopa does. All parkinsonian diseases, even typical parkinsonism like Progressive supranuclear palsy and Multiple System Atrophy, lead to a reduction in both tracers.
Thus, these imaging methods can be used to differentiate between the parkinsonian disorder, with degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, and other disorders, like essential tremor, which are not characterized by degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. When clinical examination alone is not enough to distinguish between the numerous clinical possibilities, both F-Dopa imaging and DaTscan can be helpful.
How To Prepare For F-DOPA Scan?
Get ready for your scan by fasting from food and liquids for a minimum of two to four hours.
- Women who suspect they may be pregnant must inform their physicians. Pregnancy tests must always precede a scan in doubt. PET-CT scanning is usually not recommended if the pregnancy test comes out positive.
- Pumping and saving breast milk is crucial when you are lactating prior to a PET-CT scan. Breasting your baby again after 24 hours is acceptable.
- It is recommended that you keep a family member with you to support you during the scan.
- Dress in loose-fitting clothing and avoid jewelry.
- Exercise or any strenuous activity should not be done 24 hours prior to the scan.
- Diabetic medicine can be taken up to 24 hours prior to surgery.
What Is The Procedure For F-DOPA Scan?
A PET-CT scan produces 3D images of the body’s regions and organs as they are actually functioning using a radioactive material (tracer). What changes happens is documented in sequential manner as below:
You will be asked to convey all relevant treatment information, reports, and physician’s prescriptions to a patient care coordinator once the registration processes are complete.
Bring all of your previous scan CDs with you since comparisons will be improved by having them.
When you give your medical history, please show your latest serum creatinine and blood sugar reports. For an accurate diagnosis, ideally both should be done on the same day. You may have them done at our pathology lab if you do not have them already. Once the PET-CT scan is begun, the reports of the same will be readily and easily available. Proper attire and asking you to remove all of your jewelry.
To prepare you for the injection of the radiotracer, a cannula is placed in your vein.
For the patients, it prevents unnecessary needle punctures. You may be asked to drink some medication water, depending on what type of scan.
The radiotracer is delivered through the cannula into the vein. You would be instructed to relax and lie down for an hour in another room at our center following the injection. That will allow the radiotracer to be absorbed in your body prior to the scan.
You will be taken to the scanning room once you are ready.
Once the scan begins, the technician will give you all the necessary instructions. Don’t worry; you’re under close supervision.
The scan is done with no discomfort. A contrast dye might be injected during the scan if the physician needs additional information to arrive at a diagnosis. The contrast material to be used is dependent on the level of serum creatinine.
Unless additional photos are necessary, your scan will only take a few minutes—15-20.
At times, an additional delayed scan might be required.
Once the all-clear is given by the doctor, you can dress up, have something to eat, and also take your medicines.
After The Scan
Patients can eat food, fluids, and medication.
The patient needs to remain in the clinic for approximately 30 minutes until the responsible staff can verify
In order not to expose them to radiation, it is better for the patient to stay away from young children and pregnant women for the remainder of the day.
The radiotracer is eliminated from the patient’s body via urine or faeces ten to twelve hours after the scan. The patient should drink large amounts of water to assist in flushing it out.
Conclusion
A F-Dopa Scan is an extremely accurate diagnostic scan for brain conditions like Parkinson’s disease and late-stage neuroendocrine tumours. If you are prescribed a F-DOPA Scan then ring us 24×7 and make an appointment at our state-of-the-art diagnostic centre in Rohini, Delhi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the full form of F-Dopa Scan?
Fluorodopa F-18 Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan.
Q. What is the full form of PET CT Scan?
PET CT scan is also called Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography Scan.
Q. Who Does the PET-CT Scan?
A qualified and competent radiologist will complete the testing. He will take a close look at health conditions to determine whether it is reasonable and necessary to perform a PET-CT Scan. He will take your health and safety into consideration, and he will do everything reasonably within his power to keep you safe.
Q. What is the Cost of a F-DOPA PET-CT Scan?
A PET-CT scan generally costs between Rs.15,000-RS.40,000 INR at an ordinary diagnostic centre. Keep in mind, the cost may vary by provider that is dependent upon where you are located and the resources that are available to them.
Q. Where to go for a F-DOPA PET-CT Scan?
Get the best imaging centre in Delhi for your PET CT Scan at the cheapest price provided by Carebox.
