PET-CT Cancer Screening
PET-CT肿瘤筛查
Duration
2-3 hours (including preparation)
Recovery
None
Savings
~74% vs US
Average savings compared to US prices
Whole-body PET-CT scanning for early cancer detection and screening. Uses 18F-FDG radiotracer to detect metabolically active tumors. China has 400+ PET-CT scanners in major hospitals. Popular as part of comprehensive health checkup packages. Leading centers: Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changhai Hospital (Shanghai), and premium health management centers.
Pre-Scan Preparation
6-hour fasting period, blood glucose level check to ensure optimal tracer uptake, review of medical history, and removal of metallic items.
Duration: 30 minutesRadiotracer Injection and Uptake Period
Intravenous injection of 18F-FDG radiotracer followed by a 60-minute quiet rest period to allow distribution and uptake in metabolically active tissues.
Duration: 60-90 minutesWhole-Body PET-CT Scan
Combined PET and CT imaging from skull base to mid-thigh, capturing both metabolic activity and anatomical detail in a single scanning session.
Duration: 20-30 minutesRadiologist Interpretation and Report Delivery
Dual-certified nuclear medicine physician and radiologist review of fused PET-CT images, with detailed report and consultation typically available same-day or next-day.
Duration: 24 hours- 60-75% cost savings compared to US pricing
- Latest PET-CT equipment from Siemens, GE, and United Imaging
- Same-day or next-day results with bilingual reports
- Can combine with comprehensive health checkup package for thorough screening
- Low-dose radiation exposure (equivalent to approximately 2-3 years of background radiation)
- False positives from inflammation or infection leading to unnecessary follow-up procedures
- False negatives for slow-growing or small tumors below detection threshold
- Extremely rare allergic reaction to radiotracer
Prices shown are approximate ranges for reference only. Actual costs vary by hospital, complexity, and individual patient needs. Always consult with healthcare professionals for medical decisions.