PET-CT
Patient Instructions

How Do I Prepare for the Exam?

24 HOURS BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT

• No tobacco or heavy exercise
• Hold any steroids prior to the exam

12 HOURS BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT

• Nothing to eat for at least 12 hours prior to the test, that includes cough crops, candy and gum
• Within these 12 hours you may have water, black coffee, or tea(no additives to these beverages)

6 HOURS BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT

• If you take insulin it must be taken 6 hours before the scheduled appointment if necessary with a few soda crackers. Regular medications may also be taken at anytime
• Altering your insulin dosing schedule should be at the discretion of your primary care physician
• TPN, PPN, or Tube feeding should also be held at this time (no IV glucose/dextrose)

1 HOUR BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT

• Try to drink a minimum of 20 ounces of water. You may use the restroom
• If you are diabetic, please check your sugar level; if it is over 180, please call our office

What to Bring: Some of these may have been sent to our office. Please double check.

• YOUR INSURANCE CARD(S).
• PREVIOUS tests (MRIs, CT scans, x-rays, and any prior PET exams).
• Pathology reports

Wear Comfortable Clothing such as a sweat suit. Avoid clothes with heavy buckles or metal components.

What Should I Expect When I Arrive for the PET-CT Exam?

• When you arrive at the center, you will be injected with a very small amount of glucose-radiotracer to allow the scanner to "see" inside your body.
• The drug has no side effects and will be quickly eliminated from your system.
• After the injection, you will rest comfortably in a quiet room for 60 minutes prior to the scan to allow the glucose-radiotracer to be taken up by the body.
• During the scan you will lie still on a comfortable table that moves.  You will not feel anything because the scanner does not touch your body.
• You should allow 2 hours for the procedure.  The scan itself will take approximately 20 minutes or less.
• When the scan is complete you may leave, and you may eat and drink immediately if you wish.
• The images will be reviewed and dictated by our doctors.  A report will be sent to your doctor within 24 hours.  Your doctor will discuss the results with you.