Guide
PET shows metabolic activity, while CT provides anatomical images. Together, they can show organ structure, the location and size of nodules or masses, and abnormal metabolism or active cells. Has a doctor recommended PET-CT? Do you want to understand cancer staging, treatment response or suspected recurrence? Submit your existing records first so a doctor can assess whether the scan is needed.
PET-CT does not replace pathology and is not suitable as a routine health check for everyone. A doctor should decide the purpose, scan coverage and tracer according to your condition.
01
What should you prepare before booking?
Do not repeat tests yourself just to make a booking. Submit the records you already have, then provide more as requested by the hospital or doctor.
- Current diagnosis and main symptoms
- Pathology, immunohistochemistry or genetic testing
- Recent CT, MRI or ultrasound images and reports
- Previous treatment and current medicines
- Questions you hope PET-CT will answer
- Previous medical records; a PET-CT request issued after an in-person consultation with a doctor in China
- Passport, booking confirmation and original records required by the hospital
02
Why do PET-CT costs vary?
Costs may depend on the hospital, city, scan coverage, tracer, scanner model, report format and doctor consultation. Specialist appointments, medical-record translation and medical interpreting may involve additional fees.
Online prices are for budget planning only. SinoCareHub can help contact the hospital about current requirements and indicative costs. The hospital confirms the final scan fee.
03
What should you confirm before the scan?
Confirm whether you need to fast, whether medicines need adjusting, when to arrive and which original records to bring. The hospital will explain fasting, blood-glucose and medicine requirements for your actual scan protocol.
- Fasting for 4–6 hours before the scan is usually required. Follow the nuclear medicine department’s instructions on drinking water and taking medicines.
- For 1–2 days before the scan, limit high-carbohydrate foods if the hospital advises this. Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy physical work.
- Tell the hospital before booking about diabetes, pregnancy or breastfeeding, fever or acute infection, claustrophobia and similar conditions.
- Wear loose clothing and remove metal accessories as instructed. Do not stop metformin, insulin or other medicines yourself.
04
What matters during and after the scan?
After the tracer injection, you will usually need to rest quietly for a while. Stay as still as possible during scanning; some patients may need delayed imaging or further waiting.
Afterwards, follow the hospital’s advice on drinking water, urination and resuming food. Follow its specific precautions concerning infants, pregnant people and breastfeeding.