• Published on: Apr 30, 2022
  • 2 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

What Is PET Scan ?

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A PET scan (positron emission tomography) is a type of imaging test that uses a radioactive tracer to look for changes in the function of cells and tissues. A tracer is a substance that is introduced into the body to make it easier to see certain areas or organs. The radioactive tracer used in PET scans emits positrons, which are tiny particles that collide with electrons in the body. This creates gamma rays that can be detected by a scanner and used to create images of the inside of the body. PET scans are often used to diagnose cancer because tumor cells typically have higher levels of activity than normal cells. They can also be used to check for treatment response, measure tumor size, and identify new tumors.

PET Scan is a nuclear medicine imaging test that uses a small amount of radioactive material, called a tracer, to look for disease in the body. A PET Scan can show how well organs and tissues are working. It can help find cancer, heart problems, and other diseases. A Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan is a medical imaging test that helps physicians diagnose and treat diseases. PET scans use a small amount of radioactive material, called a tracer, to help physicians see how organs and tissues are functioning. The radioactive tracer is injected into the patient's body and travels to the organ or tissue being studied. Physicians can then see where the tracer collects on an image of the organ or tissue.

A PET scan is helpful in diagnosing cancer, heart disease, brain disorders, and other diseases. It can also help determine how well treatment is working. PET Scan is an acronym for Positron Emission Tomography. It's a type of medical imaging that uses a small amount of radioactive material to help diagnose and treat medical conditions. A PET scanner creates 3D images of the inside of the body. PET (positron emission tomography) scans use a small amount of radioactive material called a tracer to help doctors see certain areas of the body. The tracer is injected into a vein, and images are taken as it moves through the body.

PET scans are often used to find cancer because tumors absorb more of the radioactive material than normal tissue does. PET scans can also be used to measure blood flow, check how well drugs work, and see how active the brain is. A PET scan is a type of imaging test that uses radioactive tracers to look at the function and structure of organs and tissues in your body. A small amount of radioactive material is injected into your bloodstream and then scanned by a special camera. The camera creates pictures that show where the material has collected. This can help doctors see how well an organ is working or find tumors or other problems.

PET scan is short for positron emission tomography. It's a type of medical imaging that uses a radioactive tracer to look at organ function or tissue metabolism. The tracer is a small amount of radioactive material that's injected into the patient's bloodstream. It collects in organs and tissues, and a scanner detects the radiation emitted as it decays. This information is used to create cross-sectional images of the body that show how the organs and tissues are working. PET scans are most often used to detect cancer because tumors consume more energy than normal tissue and therefore have a higher metabolic rate. But they can also be used to evaluate other problems, such as heart disease, brain function, and joint damage.

PET scanning is a type of nuclear medicine imaging. A small amount of radioactive glucose (FDG) is injected into a vein and images are taken as the glucose moves through the body. Cancer cells use more energy than normal cells and therefore absorb more of the radioactive glucose. This allows tumors to be visualized on the scan. PET stands for Positron Emission Tomography. A PET scan is a medical imaging test that uses a radioactive tracer to look at organs and tissues inside the body. The tracer is injected into a vein, and images are taken as it moves through the body.

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Genetic Testing Services India: How DNA-Based Insights Are Transforming Preventive Healthcare

Genetic Testing Services India: How DNA-Based Insights Are Transforming Preventive Healthcare

Genetic testing services in India have rapidly expanded over the last decade, becoming a vital part of preventive healthcare, early diagnosis, and personalized treatment planning. As medical science advances, understanding one’s DNA has become more accessible, accurate, and meaningful. Genetic testing empowers individuals with information about hereditary risks, potential health challenges, and personalized lifestyle recommendations based on their biological blueprint.

With rising chronic disease rates, cancer cases, and lifestyle-driven health issues, India is now embracing DNA-based healthcare as an essential tool for early detection and long-term prevention. SecondMedic integrates genetic insights into its preventive care ecosystem, helping individuals and families make informed decisions about their health.

The Growing Importance of Genetic Testing in India

India has a diverse population with complex genetic structures, making genetic testing particularly valuable. Many hereditary conditions often go undiagnosed until symptoms appear, which sometimes leads to delayed treatment.

Several factors are driving the growth of genetic testing in India:

  • Increased awareness of hereditary diseases

  • Rising cancer and cardiac risk among younger populations

  • Demand for preventive and precision healthcare

  • Wider availability of DNA-testing technology

  • Integration of genomics into clinical practice
     

As people seek more personalized healthcare, genetic testing has become a powerful tool for understanding risk factors long before they cause illness.

What Genetic Testing Reveals About Your Health

Genetic testing examines specific DNA markers to determine predispositions and inherited risks. The results provide clarity about future risks, potential conditions, and biological tendencies that influence long-term health.

Genetic testing can reveal:

  • Predisposition to cancer

  • Heart disease risk

  • Diabetes and metabolic disorders

  • Thyroid and hormonal disorders

  • Lipid metabolism issues

  • Neurological and genetic syndromes

  • Response to medicines (pharmacogenomics)

  • Carrier status for inheritable conditions
     

This information creates a foundation for preventive action, lifestyle modification, and informed medical decisions.

Types of Genetic Testing Available in India

India’s genetic testing ecosystem offers several categories of tests designed for different health needs.

Common types include:

  • Hereditary cancer risk testing

  • Cardiac risk genetic screening

  • Metabolic and lifestyle-based DNA tests

  • Carrier screening for inheritable conditions

  • Pharmacogenomic testing

  • Newborn screening

  • Whole exome or genome sequencing
     

SecondMedic works with leading genetic laboratories to deliver clinically validated tests integrated with actionable health insights.

Genetic Testing and Preventive Medicine

Preventive healthcare becomes far more effective when guided by genetic insights. Instead of waiting for symptoms, individuals can take proactive steps based on their specific risk profile.

Genetic testing supports preventive care by:

  • Identifying risks early

  • Recommending personalized diet and exercise plans

  • Providing medication compatibility insights

  • Monitoring high-risk individuals more closely

  • Guiding screening schedules
     

This approach significantly reduces the likelihood of severe disease progression.

Integration of Genetic Testing with Precision Medicine

Precision medicine aims to deliver treatments tailored to individual biology. Genetic testing is central to this approach, helping doctors customize care.

Genetic insights influence:

  • Selecting the right medications

  • Determining accurate dosages

  • Avoiding harmful drug reactions

  • Recommending targeted therapies

  • Planning long-term health strategies
     

SecondMedic combines genetic data with electronic health records, lab reports, and lifestyle assessments to build comprehensive care plans.

Genetic Testing and Family Health Management

Understanding genetic risks does not only benefit individuals—it supports entire families. Many conditions are passed down through generations and early awareness can help protect family members.

Genetic testing helps families identify:

  • Hereditary cancer patterns

  • Recessive or dominant genetic traits

  • Chromosomal conditions

  • Diseases likely to appear later in life
     

SecondMedic provides family-focused genetic counseling that helps relatives assess their own risks based on shared history.

Safety, Accuracy, and Reliability of Genetic Testing

Modern genetic testing is safe, non-invasive, and highly reliable. Most tests require only a saliva sample or a painless cheek swab. Laboratories then analyze DNA using advanced sequencing technologies.

Accuracy is ensured through:

  • Globally validated testing panels

  • High-depth DNA sequencing

  • Cross-verified genetic markers

  • Clinically certified laboratories

  • Medical review of results
     

SecondMedic ensures that genetic reports are interpreted by certified experts for practical application.

The Role of Genetic Counseling in DNA-Based Healthcare

Raw DNA data alone is not enough. Patients need clear guidance on how to understand and apply genetic results. Genetic counseling helps individuals navigate results confidently and make informed decisions.

Counseling includes:

  • Explanation of risk levels

  • Genetic pattern interpretation

  • Clear preventive recommendations

  • Family planning guidance

  • Personalized lifestyle strategies
     

SecondMedic offers genetic counseling alongside reports to ensure meaningful, actionable insights.

How SecondMedic Integrates Genetic Testing into Preventive Care

SecondMedic creates a seamless experience where genetic testing becomes part of a broader health management plan. After receiving results, individuals gain access to personalized nutrition, fitness, screening schedules, and digital monitoring tools.

SecondMedic’s approach includes:

  • Personalized DNA-based health reports

  • Doctor-reviewed insights

  • Custom preventive health plans

  • Ongoing monitoring and follow-up

  • Integration with AI-based risk scoring

  • Virtual consultations with specialists
     

This ensures long-term support based on accurate genetic understanding.

The Future of Genetic Testing in India

Genomics is set to transform Indian healthcare in the coming years. As technology becomes more affordable and awareness grows, genetic testing will become a routine part of preventive health.

Upcoming trends include:

  • Widespread use of pharmacogenomics

  • DNA-based nutrition personalization

  • Expanded newborn genetic screening

  • AI-driven genetic interpretation

  • Integration with national digital health records

  • Genetic-based early disease prediction
     

SecondMedic aims to make genetic testing accessible, affordable, and clinically meaningful for individuals across India.

Conclusion

Genetic testing services in India are unlocking powerful insights that empower individuals to take control of their health. Through DNA-based risk assessment, hereditary screening, and precision medicine, genetic testing creates a pathway to informed, preventive, and personalized healthcare. SecondMedic integrates these insights into comprehensive wellness plans, giving users long-term guidance for healthier living.

To book genetic testing or explore DNA-based health programs, visit www.secondmedic.com

References

  1. NITI Aayog – Genomics and Precision Medicine India

  2. ICMR – Genetic Disorders in India 2024

  3. IMARC – Indian Genetic Testing Market Report

  4. WHO – Human Genomics in Healthcare

  5. Nature Genetics – Global Genetic Risk Studies

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