Because PET Imaging depends on visualizing the distributions of the glucose-based radiopharmaceutical throughout your body, correct preparation for your PET study is more critical than for other commonly performed imaging studies. We want to provide you and your doctor the highest quality PET/CT images possible and in order to do this you must follow these instructions.
If you are diabetic please contact our office to discuss the right preparation for you. If you have an early morning appointment, it is important that you do not take diabetic medication after midnight or before your appointment. Test your blood sugar level before the scan; it should be approximately 100-200 mg/dL.
You may take your regularly scheduled medications on the day of your appointment with water, unless instructed otherwise by your doctor. In particular, if you routinely take medication for pain or anxiety, please bring the medication with you to your appointment.
You must not eat anything for four (4) hours before your appointment. Do not have any chewing gum, breath mints, cough drops, cough syrup or coffee or tea. We do, however, want you to drink plenty of water, about three large glasses or more before your appointment. Make sure this is plain water and not flavored water such as Vitamin Water, Propel, etc.
Refrain from strenuous exercise for 24 hours prior to your scan.
Dress in warm, comfortable clothing, as our scanner rooms tend to be cool. Avoid wearing jewelry or clothes with metal fasteners, under-wires or zippers. Gowns are available if you prefer.
If you might be pregnant or are breast feeding, please contact us for special instructions. Please do not bring children or pregnant women with you to your appointment due to the risk of exposure to radiation.
If you have had a prior PET scan at another imaging facility, please bring a copy of your results with you.
Print friendly copy of Patient Preparation Instructions
We look forward to meeting you and making you as comfortable as possible during your visit. If you have a favorite music CD feel free to bring it along and we can play it for you.
Great care goes into preparing for your appointment, so if you are unable to keep your appointment, please notify our office as soon as possible. Call (916) 737-3211 or toll free (888) 738-3211
