Of course. A PET scan in Hyderabad can vary in cost depending on the hospital, the specific type of PET scan (e.g., whole body, brain, cardiac), and whether a contrast agent is used.

Based on current information, the approximate cost for a PET scan in Hyderabad typically ranges from ₹10,000 to ₹30,000.

Here is a general breakdown:

• Basic PET-CT Scan: Often starts around ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 at standalone diagnostic centers.

• Whole Body PET-CT: This is the most common type for cancer staging and usually costs between ₹15,000 and ₹25,000.

• Specialized PET Scans (e.g., PSMA for prostate cancer, DOTA for neuroendocrine tumors): These can be more expensive, sometimes approaching or exceeding ₹30,000.

• Major Hospitals: Well-known corporate hospitals may charge at the higher end of this range compared to dedicated diagnostic centers.

It is always a good idea to call a few different diagnostic centers and hospitals to get precise quotes for the specific type of scan your doctor has recommended.

Of course. Here are the general guidelines on how to prepare for a PET scan.

It is extremely important to remember that these are general instructions. You must follow the specific preparation guidelines given to you by your doctor and the diagnostic center in Hyderabad where you are scheduled to have the scan.

General Preparation Guidelines for a PET Scan

24 Hours Before Your Scan:

• Diet: You will likely be asked to follow a special diet. This usually means a low-carbohydrate, high-protein, no-sugar diet.

  • Foods to Eat: Meat, chicken, fish, eggs, tofu, and non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and spinach.

  • Foods to AVOID: Sugar, sweets, bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, cereals, fruits, fruit juices, and sugary drinks. This is because sugar can interfere with the test results.

• Exercise: Avoid any strenuous physical activity or exercise for at least 24 hours before your scan. Exercise can affect how the tracer is absorbed in your muscles and can alter the results.

• Hydration: Drink plenty of plain water.

6-8 Hours Before Your Scan:

• Fasting: You must not eat or drink anything except plain water for at least 6-8 hours before your appointment. This includes avoiding chewing gum, mints, or lozenges.

• Medications: Inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking. They will give you specific instructions on which ones to take and which ones to skip on the day of the scan. If you are diabetic, you will receive very specific instructions regarding your food and insulin/medication schedule.

On the Day of Your Scan:

• Clothing: Wear warm, comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. Avoid wearing any clothing with metal zippers, buttons, or snaps. You may be asked to change into a hospital gown.

• Jewelry: Remove all jewelry, including watches, earrings, and necklaces, before you arrive or be prepared to remove them at the center.

• What to Bring:

  • Your doctor’s prescription/referral for the PET scan.

  • All previous medical records, especially reports from other imaging tests like CT scans, MRIs, or previous PET scans.

  • Your ID and any necessary insurance information.

• Feeling Cold: The scanning rooms are often kept cool. Feeling cold can sometimes affect the scan results, so it’s important to stay warm. Do not hesitate to ask for a blanket if you feel cold.

• Inform the Staff: Be sure to inform the technologist if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any allergies. Also, mention if you have claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces).

Again, please treat this as general advice. Your medical team will provide a detailed list of instructions tailored to your specific needs.

Yes, PET scans are generally considered very safe for most people.

The procedure uses a small, safe amount of a radioactive substance, known as a tracer, which is injected into your body. This tracer is designed to break down quickly and is naturally eliminated from your system, primarily through urine, within a few hours after the scan. The radiation exposure from a single PET scan is low and considered to be at a safe level for diagnostic purposes. The valuable medical information your doctor gets from the scan almost always outweighs the minimal risk from this low-dose radiation. However, it is crucial to inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding so they can take the necessary precautions. For the vast majority of patients, it is a routine procedure with no lasting side effects.

Of course. Here is an explanation of how long a PET scan typically takes.

The entire PET scan appointment, from the moment you arrive at the center until you leave, usually takes about 2 to 3 hours. After the initial check-in, you will receive an injection of the radioactive tracer, which is a quick process. The most time-consuming part is the “uptake period,” where you must rest quietly for about 60 to 90 minutes to allow the tracer to circulate throughout your body. The actual scanning process itself is much shorter, typically lasting only about 20 to 40 minutes while you lie still inside the machine. After the scan is complete, the staff may ask you to wait briefly to ensure the images are clear. Therefore, while the scan itself is relatively fast, you should plan to be at the facility for a few hours.

Of course. Here is the information about PET scan centers in Hyderabad.

Choosing the best PET scan center in Hyderabad depends on factors like technology, specialist experience, and location, but several institutions are consistently well-regarded. Leading multi-specialty hospitals such as Yashoda Hospitals and Apollo Hospitals are top choices due to their advanced HD-PET technology and integrated approach to diagnostics and treatment. For reliable and accessible service, Vijaya Diagnostic Centre is a highly trusted chain with a vast network across the city. The American Oncology Institute also stands out as a premier, specialized option focused entirely on cancer-related imaging.

Regarding your specific query, MriScanHyderabad.com is not a physical scan center itself but an online booking platform that partners with many of these top-tier facilities. It serves as a convenient aggregator to help you compare services and schedule an appointment at a reputable diagnostic lab in Hyderabad.