Patient preparation instructions
Because PET imaging depends on visualizing the distribution of the glucose-based radiopharmaceutical throughout your body, correct preparation for your PET study is critical.
Please read and follow these instructions carefully.
Clothing
Dress in warm, comfortable clothing, as some scanner rooms may be cool. Avoid wearing jewelry or clothes with metal fasteners and zippers.
Food and drink
It is generally advised to drink 6-8 glasses of water and limit the amount of sugar and caffeine you consume the day before your scan.
Drink several glasses of water before your scan to ensure hydration.
Medications
Take your regularly scheduled medication with water prior to arriving for your scan, unless instructed otherwise.
We will test your blood sugar before the injection. Please inform the imaging facility ahead of time if you are diabetic so that we can discuss specific instructions. Your sugar level should not be above 200 mg/dL before the scan.
Specific to FDG:
For FDG PET/CT scans please do not to eat any food or consume any liquids, except water, for at least four to six hours prior to your scan.
Documentation
Bring copies of your most recent CT, X-ray, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) films with you on the day of your PET/CT scan. Be sure to bring your insurance cards with you to ensure accurate billing. It may also be helpful to bring a list of any medications you are currently taking.
What to expect
Depending on the type of scan you receive, you will be given specific preparation instructions. Please follow them carefully before arriving at the facility.
Please note: if we are unable to reach you the day before your appointment in order to confirm your scan, we will have to reschedule.
Procedure
Once at the imaging center, you will be asked to complete the necessary paperwork to begin the procedure.
You will receive an intravenous injection and then you will be asked to rest quietly for approximately 30-90 minutes. After this resting period, you will empty your bladder. The technologist will escort you into the scanning room where you will lie down on the scanner table. It is important to be comfortable and lie as still as possible. During this time, the table will pass slowly through the scanner, creating several sets of images. Your actual scan will take approximately 15-35 minutes. A PET or PET/CT scan is fast, straight forward and painless.
How long will the scan take?
You should plan on spending at least two to three hours at the imaging facility.
Following the scan
Once the PET/CT scan is complete, you will be able to leave the imaging facility. Make sure you drink plenty of water or other fluids throughout the day.
The results of your scan will be interpreted by a trained nuclear medicine physician or radiologist, and your referring physician will receive a written report approximately 24 to 48 hours after the completion of the study.
Important safety information
PET/CT imaging is a safe and non-invasive nuclear medicine or molecular imaging procedure.
Radiopharmaceuticals are approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are prepared with great care. They are tested carefully prior to general use. Nuclear imaging has been used for more than five decades and side effects are rare. While exposure to any radiation involves some element of risk, it may be more common than you think. Background radiation occurs naturally during activities such as watching television or flying in an airplane. This contributes to a lifetime exposure that is only slightly increased by medical imaging. Your physician has determined that the benefits of early and accurate diagnosis outweigh the risk of exposure to this small quantity of radioactive material.
Radiation risk
Radiation emitting products may increase the risk of cancer, especially in pediatric patients. It is our policy to use the smallest dose necessary for imaging and to ensure safe handling to protect both the patient and the healthcare worker.
Blood glucose levels
In the oncology and neurology setting, suboptimal imaging may occur in patients with inadequately regulated blood glucose levels. In these patients, consider medical therapy and laboratory testing to ensure at least two days of normoglycemia prior to administration.
Adverse reactions
Hypersensitivity reactions with pruritis, edema, and rash have occurred; as a result, emergency resuscitation equipment and personnel are immediately available in case of emergency.