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

What Is PET Scan ?

  • WhatsApp share link icon
  • copy & share link icon
  • twitter share link icon
  • facebook share link icon

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.

Read Blog
Digital Health Data Security Challenges India: Securing the Future of Digital Healthcare

Digital Health Data Security Challenges India: Securing the Future of Digital Healthcare

As India rapidly digitizes its healthcare infrastructure-telemedicine platforms, electronic health records (EHRs), AI systems, and wearable data-security risks have escalated. Digital health data security challenges India are now a top priority because healthcare has become the number one target of cyberattacks worldwide.

A 2024 CERT-In report revealed that cyberattacks on Indian healthcare systems increased by 278% in a single year, making hospitals, telemedicine platforms, and diagnostic networks highly vulnerable.

SecondMedic recognizes the seriousness of these threats and has invested deeply in security infrastructure to protect patient data end-to-end.

 

1. Why Health Data Is the Most Valuable Target

Medical records contain:

  • Identity details

  • Medical history

  • Financial data

  • Prescriptions

  • Insurance information
     

This makes them more valuable on the dark web than credit card data.

Attackers use stolen health data for:

  • Fraudulent insurance claims

  • Blackmail

  • Illegal medical purchases

  • Identity theft
     

 

2. Major Digital Health Data Security Challenges in India

1. Cyberattacks on Hospitals and Telemedicine Platforms

India saw multiple ransomware attacks affecting:

  • AIIMS (Delhi)

  • State health servers

  • Diagnostic chains
     

These attacks disrupted services for days.

2. Weak Security in EHR Systems

Many clinics use outdated software with:

  • Weak passwords

  • No encryption

  • No access logs
     

This makes patient data vulnerable.

3. Telemedicine Data Exposure

Unsecured video calls, unencrypted chats, and public Wi-Fi create high-risk environments.

4. Wearable Device Vulnerabilities

Wearables send data to cloud servers.
Without secure APIs, this data can be intercepted.

5. Lack of Standardized Regulations

Though ABDM is improving the framework, India still lacks:

  • Standardized encryption enforcement

  • Strict penalties for breaches

  • Uniform hospital compliance
     

 

3. Compliance Requirements Under ABDM and DPDP Act

India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP 2023) mandates:

  • Patient consent for data usage

  • Secure processing

  • Limited access control

  • Breach notifications
     

ABDM governs:

  • Health IDs

  • Secure health data exchange

  • Interoperability standards
     

SecondMedic follows both frameworks.

 

4. How SecondMedic Ensures End-to-End Data Security

1. Encryption of All Patient Data

  • AES-256 encryption

  • Multi-layer secure cloud storage

  • Encrypted telemedicine communications
     

2. Role-Based Access Control

Doctors, administrators, and technical staff have different access rights.

3. Secure API Integrations

Data from labs, wearables, and pharmacies flows through secure, resistant APIs.

4. Regular Security Audits

Pen-testing and vulnerability assessments ensure new threats are patched.

5. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Prevents unauthorized access.

6. Secure Prescription & Report Handling

Digital prescriptions are encrypted and tamper-proof.

 

5. Building Digital Trust for India’s Healthcare Future

Patients now expect:

  • Transparency

  • Security

  • Clear data usage policies
     

SecondMedic maintains strict data protection protocols, ensuring that every patient interaction-whether teleconsultation, diagnostic review, or preventive health plan-remains secure and confidential.

 

Conclusion

Digital health data security challenges India are real and growing. However, with stronger frameworks, advanced encryption, compliance with DPDP and ABDM, and dedicated platforms like SecondMedic prioritizing patient security, India is building a safer digital healthcare ecosystem. Protecting health data is not just a compliance requirement-it is the foundation of patient trust and the future of Indian healthcare.

 

References

  • CERT-In Cybersecurity Report 2024

  • DPDP Act 2023

  • ABDM Health Data Framework

  • NITI Aayog - Digital Health Roadmap

  • Kaspersky Healthcare Cyber Threat Report

  • Economic Times - Healthcare Cyberattacks India

See all

Live Doctor consultation
Live Doctor Chat

Download Our App & Get Consultation from anywhere.

App Download
call icon for mobile number calling and whatsapp at secondmedic