PET Scan vs. CT Scan: Why Do You Need It?

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PET Scan vs. CT Scan: Why Do You Need It?

By Dr. KDS Rana (Ex-PGI Alumni)
MD, Nuclear Medicine | 15+ Years Experience

If your doctor has prescribed a Whole Body PET-CT Scan, you likely have many questions. Is it safe? What can I eat beforehand? And why do prices in Chandigarh vary from ₹12,000 to ₹25,000?

At MRI Chandigarh, we believe an informed patient is a calm patient. This guide will answer every question you have about getting a PET Scan in the Tricity (Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula).

What is the Real Cost of a PET Scan in Chandigarh

The cost is the first thing patients worry about. In the Tricity area, you will find three price tiers:
Corporate Hospitals (₹18,000 – ₹25,000): High overhead costs often lead to higher prices for the exact same scan.
Standard Labs: Many centers offer this price but use older Analog Machines (16-Slice or 64-Slice). These take longer and emit more radiation.
MRI Chandigarh (₹11,999): We offer the 128-Slice Digital Technology for the lowest price in the region.
The MRI Chandigarh Advantage:
We don’t just offer the best price. Our ₹11,999 package is all-inclusive:
✅ Free Cab Pickup & Drop (from Mohali, Panchkula, Zirakpur).
✅ Same-Day Reporting by PGI Alumni.
✅ No Hidden Consumable Charges.

Analog vs. Digital PET Scan: Why It Matters

Not all PET Scans are the same. If you are paying for a scan, ensure you are getting Digital Clarity.

  • Old Analog Scanners: Take 45–60 minutes. The images can be grainy, potentially missing small lesions (under 5mm).
  • Our 128-Slice Digital Scanner: Takes just 15–18 minutes. It offers high-definition clarity, detecting lesions as small as 2mm. This early detection is crucial for accurate cancer staging.

Safety Note: Our Digital Scanner uses 50% Less Radiation than older machines, making it much safer for pediatric (child) and geriatric (elderly) patients.

The “Indian Diet” Preparation Guide

The most common reason a PET Scan gets cancelled is high blood sugar. Cancer cells consume sugar, so if you eat carbs before the scan, the machine gets “confused.”

The 24-Hour Rule:
For one day before your scan, you must follow a strictly High-Protein, No-Carb diet.

  • ❌ DO NOT EAT: Roti, Rice, Bread, Biscuits, Naan, Rusks, Fruits, Potatoes, Sugar, Milk Tea.
  • ✅ YOU CAN EAT: Paneer, Eggs (Omelet/Boiled), Chicken (Grilled/Tandoori), Fish, Green Vegetables (Ghiya/Tinda), Tofu.
  • ☕ DRINKS: Only plain water or black tea/coffee (no sugar/milk).

The 6-Hour Fasting Rule:
You must be completely fasting (water only) for 6 hours before your appointment.

  • Diabetic Patients: Please stop insulin 4 hours prior. Call our team at 8699572364 for specific diabetic instructions.

Why PGI Patients Choose Dr. KDS Rana

The quality of a PET Scan depends 50% on the machine and 50% on the doctor reading the report.
Dr. KDS Rana is an alumnus of PGIMER Chandigarh, the region’s premier medical institute.

He follows the strict “PGI Reporting Protocol,” ensuring your oncologist gets a detailed, accurate report that they can trust immediately.
No Waiting Lists: Unlike government hospitals with 2-month waiting periods, we offer Same-Day Appointments.
Direct Access: You can discuss your report findings directly with our specialists.

Accessibility for Outstation Patients

We are strategically located in Sector 35-B, making us the easiest center to reach for patients coming from Punjab and Himachal.
From Mohali (Phase 5-11): We are a 10-minute drive via the YPS Chowk route, avoiding the Sector 43 ISBT traffic.
From Panchkula/Zirakpur: A straight drive via Madhya Marg or Tribune Chowk.
From Himachal/Punjab: Arriving by bus? We are minutes away from ISBT 43.
Don’t have a car? Don’t worry. When you book your slot, ask for our Complimentary Cab Service. We will pick you up and drop you home safely.

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Patient Care and Diagnostic Services Coordinator with experience in imaging workflows and patient education. Contributes informational content reviewed against standard MRI safety and diagnostic imaging protocols.
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MRI Chandigarh - Best MRI Scan Centre in Chandigarh for all MRI, CT Scan and PET Scans. Get most comfortable MRI scan at best price with free pick and drop facility in tricity.

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