Before the test

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.

During the test

Prior to your exam, a nurse or technologist will inject a small amount of radioactive sugar into your arm. You will then be directed to sit quietly and very still for about 60 minutes, giving the tracer ample time to circulate through your body.

As the test begins, you may be given an injection of contrast agent in addition to the radiotracer. You will be asked to lie very still on a padded table, which moves slowly through the scanner's tube-shaped chamber as it acquires the information needed to generate diagnostic images.  A technologist is stationed in a nearby room and is able to see you. He/she is present throughout the exam and is able to communicate with you through the intercom. While the actual scan takes approximately 30 minutes, the entire process can take up to three hours, so plan your day accordingly.

After the test

You may leave as soon as your exam is completed. Unless you have received special instructions, you may eat, drive, resume normal activity and exercise, and take all prescribed medications. Drink plenty of water and fluids throughout the day after the exam and empty your bladder frequently to flush the glucose tracer from your system. If you took a sedative for anxiety before the scan, please arrange to have someone drive you home.

If you are a nursing mother, discontinue breast-feeding for the amount of time specified by your doctor or our medical staff. In the interim, pump your breasts and discard the milk.