Preparation For PET SCAN

1. You should let us know if any of the following applies:
   • You are diabetic. Please inform the clinic if you have diabetes as additional preparation instructions are needed. If you are a diabetic, proper management of your blood sugar level is more important than strict adherence to this diet. Due to the special preparations needed for diabetic patients, you must expect to spend at least 3 hours at the Centre.
   • You are claustrophobic.
   • You are on IV drip (glucose/lactose/dextrose drip should be stopped a day prior to the scan).
   • You have medical problem that will affect your ability to lie still for up to 1 hour.
     


2. Depending on the specific area of the body to be scanned, it may be necessary to:
• Administer a sedative. If sedation is required, you are to bring someone with you and appropriate transport arrangements should be made.
  
• 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).
  


3. Medications:
• You should stop all iron containing medications at least one day before your scan. You can continue with your regular medications (except those who are diabetic, please call the Centre for further instructions).
  


4. Diet:
• You may eat the following:
  
  • Boiled eggs
    
  • Cottage cheese
    
  • Low fat plain yoghurt
    
  • White bread
    
  • Baked, broiled or boiled chicken
    
  • Well cooked potato
    
  • Grilled or steamed fish, shrimp
    
  • Clear soups, broth
    
• However, please avoid the following:
  
  • Red meat
    
  • Brown bread
    
  • Yellow cheese
    
  • Cereals
    
  • Fruits
    
  • Vegetables
    
  • And anything with seeds in it
    


5. Fasting
• Do not eat or drink (except plain water) after midnight.
  


6. Hydration:
• Please ensure you drink lots of plain water. In general, the more the better.


7. Previous films:
• Please bring along previous X-rays, CT, MRI or other scans as well as any blood tests reports.
  


8. Arrival:
• Please plan to arrive at the Centre at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Remember, no chewing gum, candy mints, breath mints or anything other than plain water on the day of the scan.
  


9. On the day of the scan:
• 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.
  

• Take 2 tablets of Dulcolax.
  
• You may continue eating any of the approved food / clear liquids listed above.
  

• Take 2 tablets of Dulcolax.
  
• You may continue eating any of the approved food / clear liquids listed above.
  

• DO NOT eat or drink (except plain water) after midnight.
  You are encouraged to drink plenty of plain water. In general, the more the better.
  
• Remember, no chewing gum, candy mints, breath mints or anything other than plain water on the day of the scan.
  
• You can expect to be at the Centre for 2 to 3 hours.