Preparation Instructions

• Please let us know if you have diabetes upon making your appointment as additional preparation instructions are needed. If you are a diabetic, proper management of your blood sugar level is important. Due to the special preparations needed for diabetic patients, you must expect to spend at least 3 hours at the Centre.
• Please let us know if you are claustrophobic.
• Please let us know if you are pregnant or lactating.
• Please let us know if you are on IV drip (glucose/lactose/dextrose drip should be stopped 6 hours prior to scan).
• Please let us know if you have a medical problem that may affect your ability to lie still for up to 45 minutes.
• Depending on the specific area of the body to be scanned, it may be necessary to:
  • Administer a sedative Should sedation be required, you are advised to bring someone with you and appropriate transport arrangement is recommended.
  • Place a urinary catheter into your bladder for the duration of the scan.
  • Have a bowel preparation on the day before the scan. (Please click here for PET/CT Patient Bowel Preparation Instructions).
• No strenuous exercise for 48 hours prior to the scan.
• Stop all iron containing medications at least one day before your scan. You can continue with your regular medications. For diabetics, it is not advisable to take Oral Metformin tablets or insulin injection (diabetic medications) on the day of the procedure. Inform our nurse the types of medication you are taking on the day of procedure. Please call Asiamedic Specialist Centre for further instructions.
• Please refrain from eating the following: Red meat, brown bread, yellow cheese, cereals, fruits, vegetables, and anything with seeds. You may, however, eat boiled eggs, cottage cheese, low fat plain yoghurt, white bread, baked/broiled/boiled chicken, well-cooked potato, grilled/steamed fish and shrimp, and clear soups/broth.

Instructions to Follow on the Day of the Scan

• Fasting Do not eat or drink (except plain water) 6 hours before the scan.
• Hydration Please ensure you drink lots of plain water. In general, the more the better.
• Previous films Please bring along previous X-rays, CT, MRI or other scans, as well as any blood tests reports.
• Arrival Please plan to arrive at the Centre at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.
• Upon arrival
  • Preparation phase: You will be asked to change into the patient gown. A locker will be provided to keep your personal belongings. Your weight and blood sugar level will be checked.
  • Uptake phase: You will be injected with the radiotracer and asked to lie quietly for about 1 to 1.5 hours. There are no side effects from this radiotracer. After this you will be transferred to the scan room.
  • Scanning phase: Scanning will take between half an hour to one hour. The time may vary depending on the area being scanned. It is important that you allocate plenty of time (approximately 2 to 3 hours) to be at the Centre.