Evaluation of the images | Positron emission tomography (PET)

Evaluation of the images

The particles released during positron emission tomography are detected by a special detector. A connected computer calculates the incoming information and generates an image that shows the metabolic activity. Areas with high activity are displayed brighter than those with low activity.

Some organs such as the brain or the heart naturally have a high energy consumption and therefore always show up clearly. In addition, the bladder and other urinary organs also stand out because they show the radioactively marked sugar particles excreted via the kidneys. In addition, supposed over- or under-enrichment can be of no relevance. The evaluation is therefore very complex and must be performed by the treating physician (usually a specialist in nuclear medicine or radiology). This doctor can assess whether or not there are any abnormal findings.

Risks of the examination

A positron emission tomography takes at least two hours in most cases. This includes about 60 minutes of waiting time, which is necessary after administration of the radioactively labeled grape sugar to allow it to spread throughout the body. The actual examination with recording of the radiation emitted from the body by the PET scanner takes about 30 to 60 minutes. In addition, there may be waiting times in advance as well as periods for preparation, for example by talking to the doctor. If necessary, it is advisable to ask the clinic or practice where the examination will be performed how much time should be planned.

Costs of a PET

The cost of a positron emission tomography examination is about 1,000 €. A combined examination using PET and computed tomography (CT) costs about 1. 700 €.

In the case of outpatient care, i.e. if the examination is not performed as part of an inpatient hospital stay, the assumption of costs by the statutory health insurance (GKV) is currently under discussion in Germany. The reason for this is that PET cannot replace established and generally cheaper diagnostic procedures, but can only supplement them. Only in the case of lung cancer and in the clarification of suspected lung cancer is there a good chance that the health insurance company will cover the costs.

However, an application must be submitted to the health insurance company before the examination. A referral by the treating physician alone is not sufficient. With private health insurance (PKV), the costs of a PET examination are more often covered. In any case, it is advisable to clarify in advance with the health insurance company (both statutory and private) whether the costs incurred will be covered.