PET/CT PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS

PLEASE ARRIVE 60 MINUTES BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT TO COMPLETE PAPERWORK AND FOR ORAL CONTRAST .

It is very important patients manage their glucose (sugar) intake prior to the exam. If glucose is not at the right level, the exam may need to be cancelled, or the results may not be optimal.

DIABETIC patients should contact the Imaging Center for IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS about medications.

Diet and Fluids:

1. NO Food (NPO) 6 hours prior to appointment – WATER ONLY -- no chewing gum, soda, juice, cough drops, mints or anything that has sugar in it.

2. Increase fluids 48 hours before exam.

3. Low carb/ high protein/ high fat 24 hours prior to exam.

4. NO Caffeine/ Nicotine/ Alcohol 24 hours prior to the exam.

5. Discontinue Lomotil 24 hours prior to exam if possible.

6. Stop G Tube or parental feeding 4 hours before exam.

FOOD ALLOWED & NOT ALLOWED THE DAY BEFORE THE EXAM:

ALLOWED: All meats, tofu, hard cheeses, oil, margarine, butter, eggs, and non-starchy vegetables.

NOT ALLOWED : Cereals, breads, jams, jellies, peas, corn, potatoes, fruits, juices, gravies, milk including non-dairy milks, pastas, sugar, candy, honey, alcohol, and rice.

Exercise:

No strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours prior to exam.

Temperatures:

Avoid cold temperatures and dress warmly for 48 hours prior to exam.

Pregnancy:

All women of childbearing age must be prescreened for pregnancy at the time they are scheduled.

Colostomy Patients:

Bring additional colostomy bag.

Other Instructions:

May take medications prior to arrival at center WITH WATER ONLY.

You will also be asked to stop talking 5 minutes before injection and during scan uptake phase to limit laryngeal muscle uptake.

Please do not bring children to the appointment.

If you have any questions, please call our PET/CT Center.