Your scan, step by step
Is a PET-CT Scan — Painful?
Most people are surprised by how little a PET-CT scan hurts. The machine does not touch you and makes no sharp sensation of its own. What most people find difficult is something simpler — lying still on a flat table for the duration of the scan.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Bharati Devi Gorantla, Medical Oncologist, MBBS · MD · DM (Adyar, Chennai) · ECMO · MRCP SCE (UK) · Last reviewed September 2026
- Not painful — The machine does not touch you. The only sharp moment is the cannula insertion for the injection.
- The injection is like a blood test — A small cannula is placed in your arm. The radiotracer goes in through it. Once placed, you do not feel the cannula again.
- Lying still is the hard part — You need to hold your position while the scan runs. This is what most people find uncomfortable, especially with back pain or stiff joints.
- You are never sealed in — The PET-CT ring is open at both ends. It is not an enclosed tunnel.
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A PET-CT scan is not painful. The only sharp sensation is the cannula insertion — a brief sting, the same as having blood taken. The machine itself does not touch you. What most people find uncomfortable is lying still on a flat, firm table during the scan, not the scan itself.
CION's PET-CT scans in Hyderabad start at Rs 10,499 — among the lowest published prices in the city, with no hidden charges. Indicative price, as of September 2026.
What happens during a PET-CT scan, step by step?
You arrive and are checked in
A nurse or technician asks about any allergies, kidney problems, and your blood sugar level. People with diabetes may have specific preparation instructions — your team will tell you these in advance.
A cannula is placed in your arm
This is the only sharp moment of the whole procedure. It is a small plastic tube inserted into a vein, the same way blood is taken. Most people find it a brief sting that passes in a second or two.
The radiotracer is injected
The tracer goes in through the cannula. You will not feel it moving through your body. You then rest quietly — usually in a separate room — while your body absorbs it.
You move to the scanner table
When enough time has passed, you are guided to a flat, narrow table and asked to lie still in a specific position. The table is firm.
The scan runs
The table moves slowly through the ring of the scanner. The ring passes over your body — it is open at both ends and does not enclose you. You will hear a quiet, steady hum.
You are done
The cannula is removed and you can leave. The radiotracer clears from your body naturally over the rest of the day. No observation period is needed.
Is anything actually painful, or just uncomfortable?
The cannula insertion is the only moment of pain for most people. It lasts a second or two. Once it is placed, you do not feel it, and the radiotracer going in is painless.
After that, the main discomfort is physical — lying on a flat, firm surface without moving. If you have back pain, stiff hips, or any condition that makes lying flat difficult, tell your team when you book. A support cushion or small position adjustment may help.
The machine itself causes no sensation. There is no heat, no vibration, and nothing that touches your skin. The sound some people notice is simply the scanner operating.
PET-CT Partner Centres
PET-CT Scan Centres in Hyderabad
CION offers PET-CT scans through 4 trusted partner PET-CT centres across Hyderabad, so you can choose the one closest to you. Call 18002028726 and we’ll guide you to the earliest available appointment.
PET-CT Centre — Punjagutta
PET-CT Centre — Himayatnagar
PET-CT Centre — Narayanaguda
These are partner diagnostic centres within the CION network. Toll-free booking: 18002028726.
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Medical Oncologist
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Dr. C. Raghavendra Reddy
MBBS(Gold Medal), DNB(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Gold Medal)
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Bharati Devi Gorantla
MBBS, MD(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Adyar,Chennai), ECMO, MRCP SCE(UK)
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Owais Mohammed
MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DrNB (Medical Oncology), ECMO, MRCP SCE (Medical Oncology) (UK)
Medical Oncologist
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Dr. Muralidhar Muddusetty
MBBS (AIIMS), MS (Surgery) (AIIMS), DNB (Surgical Oncology), MRCS (Edinburgh)
Surgical Oncologist
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Dr. Vinay Mamidala
MBBS, MS(General Surgery), M.Ch(Surgical Oncology), FMAS, FARIS(Ongoing)
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Hematologist
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Dr. Mohammed Imran
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MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DrNB (Surgical Oncology), FALS Oncology
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What is normal, and what should you mention?
| What you may notice | This is normal | Tell your team if |
|---|---|---|
| Cannula insertion | Brief sting — settles within seconds | Pain that does not settle, or numbness in the arm |
| After the injection | Mild warmth at the site, or no sensation at all | Rash, itching, tightness in the chest, or feeling suddenly unwell |
| Lying on the table | Firmness and some stiffness — this is the main discomfort | Pain severe enough that lying still is impossible |
| Inside the scanner ring | Steady hum; the ring moves over you and does not enclose you | Strong panic, dizziness, or difficulty breathing |
| After the scan | Mild fatigue; the cannula site may be a little tender | Spreading bruise, swelling, or feeling unwell on the way home |
What if you are very anxious about the scan?
Fear of the machine is very common. You are not unusual for feeling it. Telling your team before the day means they can describe exactly what the machine looks like and prepare for any concerns.
The PET-CT ring is open at both ends — you are not inside a tunnel. Most people who come in worried about claustrophobia find it much more manageable than they expected.
If anxiety is significant, ask your oncologist whether any preparation is appropriate for you. And if lying still is genuinely difficult because of pain or a movement condition, say so when you book.
Tell your team before the scan if any of these apply
- You have diabetes, or your blood sugar is often high or low
- You are pregnant, or think you might be
- You are breastfeeding
- You have had a severe allergic reaction to any injection before
- You have severe claustrophobia or strong anxiety about medical procedures
- Lying flat is painful — because of a back condition, hip problem, or recent injury
- You have kidney problems or reduced kidney function
CION does PET-CT in Hyderabad from Rs 10,499 — among the lowest published prices in the city — including an oncologist-reviewed report and a free Rs 950 consultation. Indicative price, as of September 2026.
Explore 64 more Preparing For and Having Your Scan Safely topics
Scan Day: What Actually Happens
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- Can You Drive Yourself Home After a PET-CT Scan?
- Can You Have Sedation for a PET-CT Scan?
- Can a PET-CT Scan Be Done on the Same Day as Other Tests?
- Contrast in a PET-CT Scan: When It Is Used and Why
- Eating and Drinking After Your PET-CT Scan
- How Long Does a PET-CT Scan Take?
- Is a PET-CT Scan Painful?
- Is a PET-CT Scanner Closed Like an MRI? Claustrophobia Explained
- The Tracer Injection: Does It Hurt?
- What Happens If the Scan Cannot Be Completed?
- What If You Cannot Lie Still or Have Tremors?
- What to Expect Immediately After the Scan
- Why Was My Scan Repeated or Extended on the Day?
- Why You Have to Wait an Hour After the Injection
- Your PET-CT Scan Day: What Happens, Step by Step
Diabetes & Blood Sugar for PET-CT
- A Diabetic Patient's PET-CT Day Plan
- Best Appointment Time for a Diabetic PET Scan
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- Insulin and PET-CT: Timing Rules
- Newly Diagnosed Diabetes Found Before a Scan
- PET-CT Scan With Diabetes: The Complete Preparation Guide
- PET-CT With Steroid-Induced High Sugars
- What Blood Sugar Level Is Needed for a PET-CT Scan?
- What Happens If Your Sugar Is High on the Day?
- What to Eat the Day Before if You Have Diabetes
Preparing for Your Scan
- A Printable PET-CT Preparation Card
- Can I Drink Water Before a PET-CT Scan?
- Can I Have a PET-CT Scan During My Period?
- Can I Take My Regular Medicines Before a PET-CT Scan?
- Can You Reschedule a PET-CT Scan?
- Cold Weather, Shivering and Brown Fat: Why You Are Asked to Stay Warm
- Fasting Before a PET-CT Scan: How Long and Why
- How to Prepare for a PET-CT Scan: The Complete Checklist
- Preparing a Very Elderly or Frail Person for a PET-CT
- Preparing a Wheelchair-Bound or Bedridden Patient
- Preparing for a PSMA, DOTATATE or FAPI PET-CT
- Should I Avoid Exercise Before a PET-CT Scan?
- Smoking, Alcohol and Caffeine Before a PET-CT Scan
- What Happens If You Break the Fast by Mistake?
- What to Carry to Your PET-CT Appointment
- What to Eat the Day Before a PET-CT Scan
- What to Wear to a PET-CT Scan
- Why Your Kidney Function Test Is Needed Before a PET-CT
Radiation Safety & After-Scan Precautions
- Are You Radioactive After a PET-CT Scan?
- Being Around Pregnant Women After a PET-CT Scan
- Can I Hold My Child or Grandchild After a PET-CT Scan?
- Can a PET-CT Scan Cause Cancer?
- Cumulative Radiation From Repeated Scans
- Do You Need Precautions After a PSMA or DOTATATE Scan?
- Do You Need Separate Utensils or a Separate Toilet After a PET-CT?
- How Long Does the Tracer Stay in Your Body?
- How Long Should You Avoid Close Contact After a PET-CT?
- How Many PET-CT Scans Are Safe in a Year?
- How Much Radiation Is in a PET-CT Scan?
- Is PET-CT Radiation Different From Radiotherapy?
- Is the Radiation From a PET-CT Scan Dangerous?
- PET-CT Radiation Compared With CT, X-Ray and Natural Background
- Radiation Safety at Home After Your Scan: A Family Checklist
- Radiation Safety for Staff and Attendants at the Centre
- Simple Steps to Clear the Tracer Faster
- Travelling Home After a PET-CT Scan: Public Transport and Airports
Your next step
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Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Will the injection hurt?
The cannula insertion is a brief sting — the same sensation as having a blood test drawn. Once the cannula is in, you will not feel the radiotracer going in. If you are particularly sensitive to needles, say so to the nurse beforehand. They can take a moment to find the best vein and talk you through each step. The sting passes in a second or two.
Am I radioactive after the scan?
A small amount of radiotracer is used, and a trace level of radioactivity remains in your body for a short time afterwards. Radiation safety guidelines generally advise avoiding prolonged close contact with young children or pregnant women for the rest of that day. Your team will give you specific guidance when you leave. The tracer clears from your body naturally and does not stay in your system.
What happens if I cannot stay still?
Movement during the scan can blur the images and reduce how much information they give. If you feel the urge to cough or need to shift position, try to do it between movements of the table rather than when it is stationary inside the ring. If staying still is genuinely difficult — because of pain, anxiety, or an involuntary movement condition — tell your team before the scan begins rather than during it. They may be able to help.
Is a PET-CT claustrophobic?
Less so than an MRI. The ring of the scanner passes over your body rather than enclosing you in a long, narrow tunnel. The bore is wide and open at both ends, and you can see outside the scanner throughout. Most people who come in worried about claustrophobia find it more manageable than they expected. If yours is severe, mention it when you book so the team can talk you through what to expect before you are on the table.
Can a family member come with me?
A companion can usually wait in the reception or waiting area. They are generally not present in the scan room itself, because of the radiotracer involved. Arrangements vary between imaging centres — ask when you book so you know what to expect and can plan the day accordingly.