When you or a loved one is facing a serious health concern like cancer, neurological disease, or a cardiac issue, accurate diagnostic results become absolutely critical. One such powerful imaging tool is the PET scan — a medical marvel that provides deep insight into how your body is functioning at the cellular level.
But a common concern patients have is:
“How accurate is a PET scan? Can I truly trust the results?”
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how PET scans work, how accurate they are, what factors affect their reliability, and why Sarvesh Health City in Hisar is your best option for PET scans in the region.
🧠 What is a PET Scan?
A Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan is an advanced imaging technique that reveals how your organs and tissues are functioning. Unlike CT or MRI, which focus on structural changes, PET scans show metabolic activity — often detecting disease before physical changes appear.
How Does It Work?
A small amount of radioactive tracer is injected into your bloodstream. This tracer travels to areas with high metabolic activity, such as tumors or inflamed tissues. The PET scanner then detects the radiation emitted by the tracer to generate 3D images.
🎯 How Accurate is a PET Scan?
Let’s get straight to the point:
PET scans are highly accurate — but context matters.
Depending on the condition being examined, PET scan accuracy ranges from 80% to 95% or even higher. Here's a breakdown:
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Cancer Detection: Up to 95% accurate in identifying malignant tumors
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Heart Diseases: Around 90% accurate in detecting areas of reduced blood flow
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Neurological Disorders: Over 85% accuracy in identifying conditions like Alzheimer’s
Still, no test is perfect. False positives and false negatives can occur, which is why PET scans are often used in combination with CT or MRI.
🧬 Why is PET Scan Accuracy So High?
The power of PET scanning lies in its ability to detect functional changes before structural damage occurs. This allows doctors to:
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Catch cancers in early stages
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Monitor treatment effectiveness in real-time
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Detect hidden metastasis
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Identify dead or scarred tissue in heart and brain conditions
In simpler terms, PET scans offer a peek into the future of disease progression, often before symptoms are even felt.
🏥 Why Choose Sarvesh Health City for PET Scans?
When it comes to accurate diagnostics, not all imaging centers are equal. At Sarvesh Health City, Hisar, we combine:
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State-of-the-art PET-CT technology
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Highly trained nuclear medicine experts
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Integrated diagnostics with oncology and cardiology departments
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Precision-guided biopsy and staging tools
Our commitment to patient care, early diagnosis, and clinical accuracy makes us a top-rated PET scan hospital in Hisar.
⚠️ Factors That Affect PET Scan Accuracy
While PET scans are highly reliable, some factors can influence the outcome:
1. Patient Preparation
Improper fasting or high blood sugar levels can affect tracer uptake.
2. Movement During Scan
Even slight movements can distort the image, especially in brain or heart scans.
3. Inflammation or Infection
Sometimes PET scans cannot distinguish between cancerous growths and inflammation, causing false positives.
4. Timing of Scan
Scans done too soon after treatment may show inflammatory changes, not active disease.
🔍 PET Scan vs Other Imaging Tests: Which is More Accurate?
| Imaging Type | Function | Best For | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|
| PET Scan | Functional | Cancer, Brain, Heart | High (80–95%) |
| CT Scan | Structural | Bones, Lungs | Moderate–High |
| MRI | Structural + Some Functional | Brain, Spine, Joints | High |
| Ultrasound | Structural | Abdomen, Pregnancy | Moderate |
PET scans provide superior functional detail, making them irreplaceable for cancer staging and recurrence detection.
🧪 How Reliable Are PET Scans in Cancer Detection?
For cancer patients, the biggest question is:
“Can PET scans detect all types of cancer?”
The answer is nuanced.
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High Accuracy: Lung, lymphoma, colorectal, esophageal, head and neck cancers
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Moderate Accuracy: Breast and pancreatic cancer
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Low Sensitivity: Prostate cancer, slow-growing tumors
At Sarvesh Health City, PET scans are interpreted by expert radiologists who cross-reference with lab tests, biopsy, and clinical data, ensuring the highest diagnostic accuracy possible.
🧘♂️ How to Prepare for a PET Scan to Ensure Accuracy
Proper preparation enhances scan clarity. Follow these guidelines:
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Fast for 4–6 hours before the scan
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Avoid strenuous activity 24 hours prior
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Disclose all medications and supplements
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Control blood sugar levels, especially for diabetic patients
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Dress comfortably and avoid wearing metal
Our team at Sarvesh Health City will guide you through a complete pre-scan checklist to ensure reliable results.
🔄 Can PET Scan Results Be Wrong?
Yes — but it’s rare, and usually explained.
False Positives
Can occur due to:
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Infections
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Inflammation
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Healing wounds
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Recent radiation therapy
False Negatives
Possible when:
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Tumor is too small (<5mm)
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Cancer type has low metabolic activity
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Tracer is not properly absorbed
To minimize error, doctors correlate PET results with other scans and tests.
📈 What Happens After a PET Scan?
After your scan, results are usually available within 24 to 48 hours. At Sarvesh Health City:
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Reports are reviewed by a multidisciplinary team
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Your doctor will explain the findings in simple terms
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Further steps may include biopsy, surgery, or treatment planning
We ensure that you’re not just given a report, but a clear understanding of what it means for your health.
❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is a PET scan painful?
No, it is a non-invasive procedure. You may feel a minor prick during the injection, but the scan itself is painless.
Q2. Are there any side effects of a PET scan?
Very minimal. The radioactive tracer used is safe and passes out of the body within hours.
Q3. Can you eat before a PET scan?
Usually, you’ll be asked to fast for at least 4–6 hours before the scan. Water is allowed.
Q4. How long does a PET scan take?
Approximately 2 to 3 hours, including preparation and scanning time.
Q5. Can PET scans detect all cancers?
Not all, but many. Some cancers may not be metabolically active enough to show up. That’s why it's often combined with CT.
Q6. How much does a PET scan cost in Hisar?
Costs vary, but Sarvesh Health City offers affordable PET scan packages with transparent pricing and advanced imaging quality.
Q7. Is PET scan safe for pregnant women?
PET scans are not recommended during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary, due to the use of radioactive tracers.
✅ Conclusion: Can You Trust PET Scan Results?
Absolutely — when done right.
PET scans are among the most powerful diagnostic tools in modern medicine. When performed at a high-quality center like Sarvesh Health City, Hisar, the accuracy and reliability of PET scans are remarkably high. They help detect disease early, guide treatment, and monitor progress, giving both doctors and patients a clear path forward.
So, if you're looking for the best PET scan hospital in Hisar, trust Sarvesh Health City — where accuracy meets compassion.
Ready to book your PET scan in Hisar?
Contact Sarvesh Health City today for appointments, pricing details, and personalized care.
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