PET is usually done on an outpatient basis. Your doctor will give you detailed instructions on how to prepare for your examination. You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. You should not eat for four hours before the scan. You will be encouraged to drink water. Your doctor will instruct you regarding the use of medications before the test.
Note: Diabetic patients should ask for any specific diet guidelines to control glucose levels during the day of the test.
When you arrive, we will take a review of your medical history and any past exams.
For the PET portion of the exam you will receive a radiopharmaceutical injection. The amount of radiation you will receive is about the same as any other nuclear medicine procedure. You should not feel any side effects from the material. In all cases, little or no radioactivity will remain in your body approximately 6 hours after injection.
For most studies, you will have to wait for the radiopharmaceutical to distribute itself – typically 30 minutes to an hour. During this time you will be asked to relax.
There are no additional preparations for the CT portion of your exam.