What is a DOPA PET-CT Scan?

A DOPA PET-CT scan is a special imaging test. It helps doctors:

• Detect Parkinson’s disease by checking how your brain is working.
• Spot and study neuroendocrine tumours (NETs), especially in their advanced stages.

It uses a safe radioactive tracer and a PET-CT scanner to give detailed images of how your body is functioning.

Why is this scan important?

This scan helps your doctor get answers that regular tests or scans might miss. It shows how certain brain cells or tumours behave, helping in early and more accurate diagnosis.

How to Prepare for the Scan

Food & Drink

• Do not eat for 2–3 hours before the scan.
• You can drink plain water during this time.

Women: Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or might be pregnant.
• If you are breastfeeding, pump and store milk before your scan. You can resume breastfeeding after 24 hours.

Physical Activity

• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours before the scan.

Medication

• You may continue your regular medicines, including for diabetes, unless told otherwise.

Clothing & Jewellery

• Wear comfortable clothes.
• Avoid jewellery or metal accessories.

Accompanying Person

• Please bring only one person with you to help during your visit.

What to Bring With You

Bring the following things on the day of your scan:

• Doctor’s prescription or referral for the scan.
• Your full medical file, including:
  • Current treatment history
  • Any allergies
  • Previous scan reports (PET-CT, CT brain, MRI, etc.)
  • Any earlier scan CDs (especially PET-CT).
• Home-cooked food for after the scan.

Scan Time & Process

The full procedure takes about 3 to 4 hours. Here’s what to expect:

Step 1: Registration & Consultation

• Our staff will guide you through registration.
• A care coordinator will discuss your health history and explain the scan process.

Step 2: Injection & Rest

• A nurse will insert a cannula (thin tube) in your vein.
• You’ll receive a radiotracer injection through the cannula.
• If needed, blood tests (creatinine, sugar) will be done from the same cannula.
• You’ll rest for around 1 hour in a quiet room while the tracer spreads in your body.

Step 3: The PET-CT Scan

• You will lie on a scan bed inside the PET-CT machine.
• A contrast dye may be used if your doctor requests it (based on kidney function).
• The scan takes about 15–20 minutes. Extra images may be taken if needed.
• You’ll be monitored at all times for comfort and safety.

Step 4: After the Scan

• Sometimes, a second scan (delayed) may be required.
• Once your doctor gives the go-ahead, you can eat, change clothes, and take your regular medicines.

Aftercare Instructions

• Eat and drink normally after the scan.
• Stay in the clinic for about 30 minutes post-scan for observation.
• Avoid close contact with pregnant women and children for the rest of the day.
• Drink plenty of water to flush out the tracer from your body.
• The tracer leaves your body through urine and stool within 10–12 hours.