PET-CT
Patient Instructions

How Do I Prepare for the Exam?
Avoid carbohydrates (i.e. breads, pastas, fruits, potatoes) as much as possible prior to exam. Drink 20 oz. of water 1 hour prior to exam.

• Focus on meals high in protein 24 hours before the test (i.e. meats, cheese, eggs).
• Avoid caffeine, sugar, tobacco and heavy exercise for 24 hours prior to your exam.
• Do not eat or drink anything (except water and meds), or chew gum 6 hours prior to your exam.
• Continue to take any medication prescribed by your physician. If you have been advised to take medications with food, eat nothing more than a few soda crackers 6 hours prior to your exam.

If You are a Diabetic:

• Please take your diabetic medication (6) hours prior to your test.
• A high protein, low carb diet can be eaten up to (6) hours prior to your exam.
• Please check your sugar level before your appointment, and please notify our office if it is over 180.

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.