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Preparing for your PET/CT scan

  • Nothing to eat or drink except water for a minimum of 6 hours prior to your exam.  This includes: gum, candy, cough drops and nicorette.

  • You should follow a high protien / low carbohydrate diet 24 hours prior to you exam.  Your last meal before the exam should be high in protein.  Click Here For A Sample Diet Plan.

  • With water only, continue to take any medications prescribed by your physician with exception of diabetic medication.  Diabetic patients will recieve special instruction.

  • Avoid caffine, surgar, tobacco and strenuous exercise for 24 hours prior to your exam.

  • If you think you may be pregnant, discuss this with your physician.  Generally, PET/CT is not performed on pregnant women.

What to bring to your appointment

  • Bring with you:

*  Photo ID

*  Insurance Cards

*  Prior CT, X-Rays and PET scan reports (if performed from at an outside hospital)

*  Medical History

*  Medication List

  • Avoid clothes with heavy buckles or metal components.
  • Wear warm, comfortable clothes, since the scanner room is cool.

Arrive on time

  • Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time.
  • If you must cancel or reschedule your appointment, please call the number provided to you at time of scheduling at least 24 hour prior to your appointment.

During your PET/CT scan

  • After registering, you will go to a preparation area where a PET technologist will insert a small IV into your arm.
  • A small amount of FDG, a form of glucose, will be injected through the IV.  You will be asked to rest quietly for 60 to 90 minutes.
  • Your scan time will be approximately 15 to 45 minutes, depending on type of procedure requested.
  • Plan to spend approximately 2 to 3 hours at the facility.

After your PET/CT scan

  • Your activity will not be restricted. You may resume your normal diet, exercise and take all prescribed medication.  If your physician prescribed medication to help you relax during the scan, you must have someone drive you home.
  • The PET/CT scan will be reviewed by a Radiologist, who will send a report to your physician with in two(2) business days.
  • Your physician will contact you with regards to the resuts of your PET/CT scan.
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