If you’re getting an imaging exam with contrast done soon, you may have heard the term “radioactive sugar”. But what is that? Well, it’s not what radiologists sprinkle into their coffee, but instead a vital part of specialized imaging tests such as the PET scan. The use of radioactive sugar and imaging has allowed doctors to make major strides in medicine, giving us the opportunity to view inside and see what’s really going on. Let’s break down how it works.
Nuclear Medicine & Radioactive Sugar
Nuclear medicine refers to the use of radioactive isotopes (usually a type of sugar) to essentially “highlight” certain problem areas during a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan, CT scan, or other tests where the radiologist can view internal organs and see how the cells function and reproduce.
This technique is useful for an abundance of reasons. For example, oncologists often use PET scans to evaluate cancer treatments. Cardiologists also find them useful in examining the heart muscle after a heart attack. A specialist can use a PET scan to evaluate the brain of a person suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Radiologists also use PET scans to diagnose liver and gallbladder diseases.
How PET Scans Work
If you have ever had a blood test for diabetes or other disorder, you may have been asked to drink a sugary substance before the test. A PET scan works in a very similar way, only this time you will be injected with a short-lived radioactive sugar. The isotopes (sometimes referred to as a radioactive tracer) collect in specific areas of the body and tissue such as the lungs, heart, bones, liver, or brain.
After the injection, the doctor will have you sit quietly for an hour while your cells absorb and process the sugar. (So feel free to bring a book or music to pass the time!) After this hour is up, your doctor will then perform a CT scan and PET scan. The two tests are used together to form a complete picture of what is going on. The actual tests should take roughly 30-60 minutes.
The PET scan equipment detects the radiation and scans an image to the computer. Since such a low dose is used, the camera/instrument used must be very close to your body. A PET scan is completely safe.
How Long are You Radioactive After a PET Scan?
Many worry that after their PET scan, they will become a walking beacon of dangerous radioactivity. So does a radioactive tracer have any side effects? In most cases, no. Because such a low dose of radioactive sugar is given, there will really be no side effects awaiting you.
Therefore, you will be totally fine to go home and about your day after your exam. Typically, the radioactive material will last in your body for up to 12 hours, and then will pass from you naturally.
It is worth noting that during this time, however, you will want to avoid pregnant women and infants to keep them 100% safe.
Using tracers like radioactive sugars is changing the way we approach the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases. If you find yourself in need of a nuclear medicine procedure, find a BICRAD location near you and schedule an appointment!