Table of Contents
What should you not do before a PET scan?
Foods Not Allowed
- No cereals.
- No pasta.
- No dry beans.
- No fruit and fruit juices.
- No sugar, honey, desserts or candy.
- No starchy vegetables, such as peas, corn, potatoes.
- No alcohol.
- No nutritional shakes or smoothies.
How long does it take for a PET scan?
The entire PET scan process takes about two hours. It can take up to 60 minutes for your body to absorb the injected radiotracer. During this time, you’ll need to sit quietly and limit your movements. The actual PET scan takes about 45 minutes.
Do you need a full bladder for PET scan?
Staff will then ask you to go to the toilet to empty your bladder before you have your PET scan. For the PET scan, you will be asked to lie on a bed. The staff will set up the camera and leave the room while the pictures are taken. They can see, hear and speak to you at all times.
What happens if you move during a PET scan?
Moving too much can make the substance move into areas that are not being studied. This makes it harder for doctors to read the scan. The radioactive substance takes 30 to 90 minutes to reach the body parts that will be scanned. You may also be asked to drink a contrast liquid.
What are the negatives of a PET scan?
Limitations of a PET Scan A PET scan is less accurate in certain situations: Slow-growing, less active tumors may not absorb much tracer. Small tumors (less than 7mm) may not be detectable. High levels of blood sugar can cause the cells to absorb this normal sugar rather than the radioactive, injected kind.
How should I prepare for a PET scan?
Plenty of water should be drunk prior to a PET scan. Patients getting a PET scan should eat a meal low in carbs and high in protein before the scan. PET scan results are generally only interpreted by radiologists who have received specialized training in nuclear medicine.
Is there any preperation needed for a PET scan?
PET scan preparation guidelines may vary slightly, so it is best to consult the medical staff for any individualized rules or regulations. Generally speaking, there should be nothing to eat or drink at for at least six hours prior to the procedure. There may be specific dietary restrictions or guidelines beginning a day or two before the procedure.
What to eat before a PET scan?
Foods to eat before a PET scan include: Protein. –. nonbreaded chicken, beef, turkey, pork, lamb , ham, hot dogs, lunch meat, fish, shellfish, most nuts, sunflower seeds, eggs and unsweetened peanut butter.
What to expect during a PET scan?
During the scan, the PET scanner will move around your body as you lie still. The scanner makes buzzing and clicking sounds, but the procedure is completely painless. The tracer used in the test contains small amounts of radiation.