PET CT Scan

Cancer cells grow at a very fast rate.
Growing cells use glucose as a primary source of energy. The faster the cells grow, the more glucose is consumed.
A form of glucose called FDG, which emits particles called positrons, is injected in the the patient.
The FDG molecules are consumed more in fast-growing cancer cells than in normal cells, resulting in concentrations of the FDG, and positrons, in areas of cancer.
A PET/CT scan detects where positrons are being emitted from within the patient and provides images that map the locations. PET FDG mapping is combined with a CT image's structural detail in order to identify both the presence of the disease and its precise location.

For 6 hours before your test, do not eat or drink (except water). Do not even chew gum.
Your last meal before the scan should be high in protein and low in carbohydrates. For example: Dinner: steak, baked chicken, fish, cheese, asparagus, broccoli, mushrooms. No pasta, potatoes, rice or bread. Breakfast: eggs bacon, sausage. No breakfast should be eaten if you have an appointment before noon.
Continue to take any medication prescribed by your physician. if you have been advised to take your medications with food, eat nothing more than a few soda crackers, 4-8 hours prior to your exam.
Avoid caffeine, sugar, tobacco and heavy exercise for 24 hours prior to your exam.
If you have diabetes, discuss this with your physician and call the Radiology staff 48 hours before your exam.
If you are, or think you may be pregnant, discuss this with your physician. Generally PET/CT is not performed on pregnant women.

Please arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
If you must cancel or reschedule, please do so at least 24 hours before your appointment.