PET Patient Questions

a.  What is a PET Scan?   PET, Positron Emission Tomography is the most advanced diagnostic technology capable of detecting and monitoring the early signs of cancer, and brain and cardiac disorders.  Three dimensional images accurately determine the extent and stage of disease to help physicians manage treatment for patients.  This new technology can eliminate the need for other expensive procedures.

b.  How do I prepare for my PET Scan?  Do not eat anything for 4 – 6 hours before coming to your appointment.  It is important for you to drink LOTS OF WATER before your exam.  You can wear regular clothes for the exam.

*If you are diabetic, call our office for special instructions.

The scan room is kept extremely cool, so you may want to bring a jacket or sweater.  Before your scan, a nuclear medicine technologist will explain the steps of your procedure, and will answer your question or concerns.

c.  What should I expect from my PET Scan?  Your PET exam will take about 2 - 3 hours from the time you arrive, until you have completed the scan.  The technologist will give you a small injection of the radioactive tagged solution, generally a simple sugar.  This tag has a very short half-life, which means it will not last for more than a few hours, and will disappear quickly.  Once you are injected with the solution, you’ll have a 45 minute to one hour uptake time.  During this time, it is important to minimize activity in your body, so that optimum results from your scan are possible.  The exam does require an IV line to be placed in your arm to allow the isotope to absorb into your body for about one hour.