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Patient Information about PET Imaging |
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Your PET scan appointment should last about two hours. The actual scan itself takes less time.
Preparing for a PET Scan
- Do not consume anything for at least six hours before your exam, except water. If anything is eaten before the exam, there is a significant decrease in the absorption of the FDG radiopharmaceutical. This will decrease the amount of radioactivity uptake in the abnormal cells and will generate a suboptimal scan.
- No concentrated sugars (candy or juices), caffeine, alcohol or smoking.
- No strenuous exercise the day prior to and the day of the exam
- Take any prescribed medications on the day of your scan unless instructed not to do so.
- You may be asked to bring other recent radiographic films such as CT or MRI scans.
- If you are diabetic, please let your doctor know.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, or if you are a nursing mother.
- Wear comfortable clothing; leave valuables at home.
- If you are scheduled for a cardiac viability study, have a normal breakfast or lunch.
How it works
You will receive an injection of the radioactive tracer FDG, after which you must wait between 30 and 60 minutes for your body to metabolize the radioactive tracer. You will be resting comfortably during this time.
You will then be escorted to the PET scanning facility and asked to lie down on a table that passes slowly and quietly through the PET scanner. The scanner resembles a CT scanner. You should expect the scan to last approximately one hour.
After the procedure, you should drink additional fluids for several hours. You may resume your normal diet and physical activity immediately following the scan.
The results of your scan are usually read within 24 hours and then sent to your physician. You should call your doctor three days after the exam or as otherwise directed.
Center for Molecular Imaging
11388 Sorrento Valley Rd., Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92121
(858) 373-2860 |