Your doctor will provide specific instructions before your appointment. In preparation for most PET-CT examinations, the following general guidelines will apply:

• To assure that your body absorbs the radioactive sugar properly, do not eat or drink anything except water for 4 to 6 hours before your exam. Do not even chew gum. You may want to bring a snack with you to eat after the exam, once the nurse or technician gives you permission to do so.
• Unless instructed otherwise, take all prescribed medications on the day of your appointment.  If you have been advised not to take medications on an empty stomach, you may eat a few soda crackers with your medicine 4 to 6 hours before your exam.
• If you are diabetic or have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), please inform our clinical staff in advance so that we can consult with your physician to determine the safest way to prepare you for your exam.
• You may be asked to change into a hospital gown for the scan. Otherwise, wear loose, comfortable clothing without zippers, buckles, buttons, wires or any metal. It is best not to wear jewelry, since you will most likely be asked to remove it. 
• If you are or think you might be pregnant or are currently breastfeeding, let your doctor and our imaging services staff know.