PET Scan in Turkey has become a benchmark in advanced medical imaging, offering unparalleled accuracy in diagnosing and monitoring a wide spectrum of conditions. PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scans work by introducing a small amount of radioactive tracer into the body—either via injection, inhalation, or ingestion—allowing specialists to evaluate the functional activity of tissues and organs in real time. Unlike traditional scans that solely provide structural data, PET scans visualize metabolic changes, helping detect cancer, heart disease, neurological disorders, and more, at their earliest stages. In Turkey, PET scans are frequently integrated with CT or MRI technology—termed PET/CT or PET-MRI—enhancing image precision and diagnostic confidence.
PET Scan Procedure in Turkey
In Turkish healthcare institutions, the PET/CT scan represents the pinnacle of imaging technology. The integration of functional PET imaging with the anatomical clarity of CT provides a powerful diagnostic tool that can detect abnormalities with over 90% accuracy. PET/CT scan in Turkey is especially valuable in identifying early-stage diseases, including:
- Cancer Detection: Cancer cells metabolize glucose more rapidly than healthy cells. PET/CT scans exploit this trait using radiotracers like FDG to highlight cancerous activity.
- Neurological Disorders: PET scans can detect epileptic foci, Alzheimer’s plaques, and brain tumors by visualizing abnormal metabolic patterns.
- Cardiovascular Conditions: Irregularities in heart rhythm and perfusion, such as arrhythmia or coronary artery disease, can be diagnosed precisely using PET imaging.
Turkish hospitals utilize cutting-edge hybrid PET/CT systems that deliver high-resolution, 3D images—enabling early detection and informed treatment planning.
How Is PET Scan Performed in Turkey?
The PET scan procedure in Turkey is meticulously planned to ensure optimal outcomes. Patients are required to fast for at least six hours before the test—excluding water and prescribed medications. The final pre-scan meal should consist of high-protein foods, while sugar and carbohydrates are to be strictly avoided, as they can skew the glucose-based imaging results.
To prepare, patients must also avoid physical exertion for 24 hours prior to the scan. During admission, blood sugar levels are checked, and an IV line is placed for administering the radiotracer. The tracer, commonly FDG, mimics glucose, allowing for visualization of metabolic hotspots within the body.
Before the scan, patients should inform medical staff if they:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Are diabetic
- Are taking corticosteroids
- Are severely claustrophobic
- Weigh over 400 pounds
- Are unable to lie still on their back
Accommodations are made in such cases to ensure both patient safety and scan accuracy.
What Happens During a PET Scan in Turkey?
Once the radiotracer has circulated in the bloodstream (typically 60–90 minutes), patients lie on a motorized table that slides into the PET scanner—an enclosed tunnel-like device. The scan takes 20 to 40 minutes and requires complete stillness to avoid distortions in the image. Throughout the scan, the machine detects the gamma rays emitted by the tracer, producing images of metabolic activity in the body.
What Happens After the PET Scan in Turkey?
Following the procedure, patients may resume normal activities. The radioactive tracer leaves the system quickly, but patients are advised to:
- Drink plenty of water to flush out the tracer
- Avoid close contact with infants, pregnant women, or young children for 6 hours
- Bring their scan documentation if traveling by air shortly after, as airport scanners may detect residual radiation
Types of PET Scan in Turkey
Turkey offers an extensive range of PET scan types tailored to specific medical needs:
- PET f-18 FDG Scan: The most commonly used scan, especially in oncology, evaluates glucose metabolism. It is vital for diagnosis, staging, and monitoring treatment response in cancer.
- Cardiac PET Scan: Focuses on assessing blood flow and myocardial function. It helps identify ischemia, detect heart damage, and guide interventions like bypass surgery or angioplasty.
- PET/CT Scan: This hybrid technique combines anatomical and functional imaging. It allows clinicians to precisely localize abnormal activity, making it essential for cancer diagnostics and complex neurological evaluations.
Recovery from PET Scan in Turkey
Recovery is straightforward, as the procedure is non-invasive and painless. Patients may eat, drink, and move freely after the scan. To hasten the elimination of the radiotracer, they are advised to stay well-hydrated. For those traveling soon after the scan, it is wise to carry scan documentation due to potential radiation detection at international airports.
The Role of PET Scan in Turkey
Clinical research demonstrates that PET scans are superior to conventional imaging methods like MRI, CT, and X-ray in detecting cancer recurrence and metabolic abnormalities. One significant study in breast cancer patients revealed that PET scans accurately predicted outcomes in 90% of cases, compared to 75% with conventional modalities. When discrepancies occurred, PET scans were more accurate 80% of the time, highlighting their prognostic advantage.
2025 Cost of PET Scan in Turkey
The cost of a PET scan in Turkey in 2025 remains remarkably low compared to the U.S., U.K., or EU countries, without compromising diagnostic quality. Factors influencing the pricing include:
- Type of scan performed
- Inclusion of PET/CT or PET/MRI
- Associated consultations and pre-scan evaluations
Clinics often offer comprehensive packages including transport, accommodation, and translation services—ideal for international patients.
Why Is PET Scan Cheaper in Turkey?
Three primary reasons account for the affordability of PET scans in Turkey:
- Favorable currency exchange rates for patients using Euros, Dollars, or Pounds
- Lower operational and living costs across the Turkish healthcare sector
- Government incentives promoting medical tourism
Despite the lower cost, the quality remains world-class. Many Turkish hospitals hold international accreditations and adhere to strict safety and imaging protocols.
Why Choose Turkey for PET Scan?
Turkey continues to rise as a global hub for diagnostic imaging, and PET Scan in Turkey is one of the country’s standout offerings. Patients benefit from:
- High-Quality Hospitals: Many are JCI-accredited and equipped with the latest PET/CT and hybrid technologies.
- Qualified Experts: Board-certified nuclear medicine specialists and radiologists oversee each scan.
- Affordable Prices: Comprehensive imaging at a fraction of the price charged in developed countries.
- High Success Rates: Owing to advanced imaging protocols and experienced staff.
Major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Antalya host renowned imaging centers that cater to thousands of international patients annually.
Is PET Scan Safe in Turkey?
Yes, PET scans in Turkey are extremely safe and regulated. All procedures are carried out under the oversight of the Ministry of Health. Radiation exposure is minimal and temporary, posing no long-term risk. Medical personnel are trained to handle sensitive cases with empathy and precision, ensuring safety at every step of the journey.
We Care About Your Health
Choosing to undergo a PET Scan in Turkey is not just a medical decision—it is a step toward personalized, compassionate care. Patients are treated with dignity and comfort throughout the process, and multilingual staff are always available to support international guests.
24/7 Personalized Assistance & All-Inclusive Packages
Many clinics provide tailored, all-inclusive packages designed for international patients, including:
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- Accommodation near the hospital
- Translation services
- Dedicated case managers
Get the Right Advice for Your Health
In Turkey, PET Scan consultations are thorough and collaborative. Before scheduling the scan, specialists ensure that the chosen procedure is the most suitable for your condition, whether it involves cancer staging, neurological assessment, or cardiac diagnostics.
PET Scan at Avicenna International Hospital
At Avicenna International Hospital, we are proud to be a leading institution for PET Scan in Turkey. Our state-of-the-art facilities, advanced hybrid imaging systems, and internationally certified radiologists ensure accurate diagnostics and exceptional patient care. We understand that undergoing a medical procedure abroad can be stressful, which is why we offer compassionate, comprehensive services tailored to your needs. Whether you’re seeking early cancer detection, neurological evaluation, or cardiac diagnostics, Avicenna International Hospital is your trusted partner in health.
