When preparing for a PET examination:
- Do not consume anything except water for 6 hours prior to exam
- Generally, you should limit the amount of sugar and caffeine on the day before the scan
- Please do not wear metal objects, including jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures and hairpins
- Please inform us if you are diabetic, and you will receive special instructions for your exam
If you are pregnant, please tell your doctor or a patient representative before your test.
What to expect during a PET/CT:
Before your PET/CT, we will administer a test to measure your blood sugar levels. You will also receive a small injection of the radiotracer. It is required for a small amount of radiotracer to travel through your body for 45-60 minutes before imaging. During this time you will be asked to sit or lie quietly and avoid any movement and talking.
Next, you will be moved into the PET/CT scanner. You will need to remain still while the scanner images your body. The CT portion of the exam will be done first, followed by the PET scan. The CT scan takes less than five minutes. The PET scan will take approximately 20-30 minutes.
Once your scan is complete, you will be able to drive yourself home. You can resume normal eating and drinking unless otherwise instructed. Please drink plenty of fluids to help the radiotracer pass from your body. The images from your test will be reviewed by our radiologist and results will be sent to your referring physician.
Additional instructions may be provided to you before or after your exam.
Contact Imaging Healthcare Specialists
To schedule your PET/CT scan, please call IHS at (858) 658-6500. We offer PET/CT at our Hillcrest, Encinitas, California locations.
