PET Scan: What to Expect

What to Expect

Some hints to prepare you for your scan:

Dress comfortably and warmly. Scanner rooms can sometimes be cool.
Avoid eating anything for at least four-six hours before your scan (this includes sugar-free gum, mints, candy and beverages other than water).
No strenuous exercise the day of your exam (example: working out, jogging, etc.).
Please bring a copy of your most recent CT, X-Ray, or MRI films with you on the day of your PET scan.
Be prepared to lie still for 15-75 minutes while the scan is performed.

Procedure

A PET scan is completely painless and has no side effects. After fasting for 4-6 hours, you will receive an injection of a trace amount of radioactive glucose, which is distributed throughout the body.

About 30-70 minutes after the injection, you will empty your bladder, then lie down on a scanner bed. Images will be taken of your body as you lie still on the scanner bed.

How Long Will the Scan Take?

A scan takes approximately 15-90 minutes, depending on the type of scan you are having (i.e., whole body, brain, etc.) and the type of scanner being used. The results are then interpreted by a trained nuclear medicine physician or radiologist and sent to your referring physician.

Diabetics

If you are diabetic, eat and take your insulin or oral medication as directed by your physician. Generally, your blood sugar level should be 100-200 mg/dL before your PET scan. Test your blood sugar level before the PET scan. Make sure that the PET center staff knows that you are diabetic.

After My PET Scan

When the PET scan is done, make sure to drink plenty of water or other fluids throughout the day.

Results of My PET Scan

Your PET scan results will be reported to your referring physician within 1-2 business days. Please contact your physician to discuss your PET scan results.