Category: Medical imaging

While there is no scientific proof that coffee will affect the diagnostic accuracy of a breast ultrasound, many healthcare providers advise against it. This is mainly because caffeine can increase breast tenderness, potentially making the procedure less comfortable for the patient.

According to imaging specialists, failing to maintain a low blood sugar level can result in a poor-quality PET scan and a need for rescheduling. A specific limited carbohydrate diet for a PET scan is a critical preparatory step designed to ensure optimal image clarity and diagnostic accuracy.

A Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan utilizes a radioactive sugar, known as FDG, to track metabolic activity, making a strict pre-scan diet absolutely crucial. This protocol raises many specific dietary questions, with "Can I have hummus before a PET scan?" being a common one. The straightforward answer is no, and understanding why is key to ensuring an accurate test.

According to the National Institutes of Health, billions of diagnostic imaging procedures are performed annually worldwide, yet many patients are unsure about the technology involved. Understanding the necessary preparation for these tests is crucial, including knowing exactly **what is the difference between a CT scan and a nuclear scan?**

The gamma camera, first developed by Hal Anger in 1958, revolutionized nuclear medicine by producing functional images of internal organs. These specialized cameras are utilized for a variety of tests, most prominently Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and planar scintigraphy. These procedures offer doctors a unique view into the physiological functions of a patient's body by tracking radioactive tracers.