PET Scan
A PET scan is a nuclear scan that uses radioisotopes to create images from within the body. These images allow us to evaluate organ function, localize disease or tumors and gauge response to therapies.
Preparation
The day prior to the scan, eat an all protein diet (i.e. cheese, meat, eggs and green vegetable). Limit carbohydrates (i.e. breads, crackers, potatoes) and consume no sugar products.
The day of testing, you should have nothing to eat or drink, with the exception of water, tea or black coffee, beginning 6 hours prior to the test. You may take medications if they can be tolerated on an empty stomach.
If you are diabetic, you should not take insulin prior to the scan but consult with your physician for specific instructions.
Dress comfortably and remove jewelry and other metals as they may interfere with the scanning process. Please notify our staff if you have a metallic object implanted in your body such as an artificial joint, a pacemaker, a piercing or a vascular stent as these may prevent you from being able to undergo the scan. Also, be sure to mention any recent imaging studies involving IV dye as this may interfere with the isotope. There is a consent form for this procedure.
Procedure
During the test, you will lie on a scanner table. An IV will be placed and you will receive an IV injection of radioactive glucose, which takes about 90 minutes to distribute throughout your body.
Some persons develop nausea, vomiting and/or a headache due to sensitivity to the isotope, but this is not common.
The PET scan takes approximately 30-60 minutes to perform but you should plan to be in the imaging center for up to 3 hours.