Prepare for Your PET/CT
Overview
Wear comfortable clothing for the scan. You may also need to change from your regular clothing into a set of scrubs. While we do have lockers, we recommend that you leave valuables at home, such as jewelry or a watch, so they don’t get misplaced. You may need to remove anything that contains metal, such as eyeglasses, dentures, or hearing aids, during the test.
Allergies
Notify your physician of any allergies before the exam. If you have any allergy to contrast material, or “dye,” your physician may prescribe medications to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction.
Pregnancy
Be sure to inform your physician if you are pregnant.
Medications
We will ask what medication you take when you schedule your appointment. You will be provided further instructions at that time. If you feel you will need sedation or are diabetic, contact us for further instructions prior to your scheduled appointment.
Eating
A special diet is required the day before the exam. If your PET/CT scan is before 12:30 p.m., the last meal should be no later than 9:00 p.m. the night before the exam. If your PET/CT scan is after 12:30 p.m., the last meal should be no later than 6:00 a.m. the day of the scan.
During your last meal before the exam, do not eat any carbohydrates or starches (rice, potatoes, breads, pasta, fruits, vegetables, etc.). Please eat protein (beef, chicken, eggs, pork, fish) only. A low blood sugar level is essential for a successful scan. Also, please refrain from exercising or hard labor 24 hours prior to your scan. You can drink water any time before the exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
When you arrive at the facility, you will be asked to fill out some paperwork prior to the scan. Then our technologist will escort you to an area where you will receive an IV line that infuses a radio-pharmaceutical. After the injection, you will be escorted to one of our quiet private rooms complete with a comfortable recliner to relax for one hour. Once you’re completely relaxed, our technologist will take you to the scanner where you’ll be on the table for about 30 – 45 minutes. The scan itself causes no pain and our staff will be by your side to make sure you are as comfortable as possible.
It is important that you drink water and empty your bladder often for the rest of the day. This will result in a more rapid clearance of radioactivity from your body. You can drive and resume normal activities immediately after leaving our office, unless you have taken any anti-anxiety medication.
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