A Somatostatin receptor scan (Ga-68 DOTATATE PET) is a nuclear medicine test of the whole body. It shows neuroendocrine tumours. Typical effective dose 5 to 15 mSv, similar to about 2 to 5 years of natural background radiation (about 3 mSv a year).
General health information, not a diagnosis. In an emergency, call 102. Always consult a qualified health professional.
Neuroendocrine tumours.
Suspected or known neuroendocrine tumours.
A small radioactive tracer is injected or swallowed. Preparation depends on the test; tell staff if pregnant or breastfeeding, as feeding may need a pause.
Typical effective dose 5 to 15 mSv, similar to about 2 to 5 years of natural background radiation (about 3 mSv a year). Tell staff if you are or might be pregnant; the benefit usually outweighs the small risk, and shielding or alternatives can be considered.
1 to 2 hours. General information, not a diagnosis. Results must be interpreted by a qualified health worker.
Nuclear medicine
Consult a doctor to interpret results — a single test does not make a diagnosis.
Uses your location once to list the nearest facilities. Nothing is stored.
What does a dotatate pet show?
Neuroendocrine tumours.
Why is a dotatate pet done?
Suspected or known neuroendocrine tumours.
How do I prepare for a dotatate pet?
A small radioactive tracer is injected or swallowed. Preparation depends on the test; tell staff if pregnant or breastfeeding, as feeding may need a pause.
Does a dotatate pet use radiation?
Typical effective dose 5 to 15 mSv, similar to about 2 to 5 years of natural background radiation (about 3 mSv a year). Tell staff if you are or might be pregnant; the benefit usually outweighs the small risk, and shielding or alternatives can be considered.
How long does a dotatate pet take?
1 to 2 hours
Why is Somatostatin receptor scan (Ga-68 DOTATATE PET) done?
Suspected or known neuroendocrine tumours.
How do I prepare for Somatostatin receptor scan (Ga-68 DOTATATE PET)?
A small radioactive tracer is injected or swallowed. Preparation depends on the test; tell staff if pregnant or breastfeeding, as feeding may need a pause.
Is Somatostatin receptor scan (Ga-68 DOTATATE PET) safe in pregnancy?
Typical effective dose 5 to 15 mSv, similar to about 2 to 5 years of natural background radiation (about 3 mSv a year). Tell staff if you are or might be pregnant; the benefit usually outweighs the small risk, and shielding or alternatives can be considered.
SI text CC BY 4.0; RadiologyInfo.org (ACR/RSNA) and MedlinePlus linked as references only, no text copied.