How long is the procedure?

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It depends on the type of PET/CT scan your doctor ordered. In general, please allow 2-3 hours for the entire visit. This includes time to prepare you for the scan time in the scanner.

 

What if I am claustrophobic?

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If you have had difficulty with MRI scans and feel the PET/CT may cause anxiety, please ask your physician to advise you. Claustrophobic patients may need to obtain a prescription from their physician before the appointment. If so, you will need to have a family member or friend accompany you to the center to drive you home after any sedative.

 

Will someone need to drive me?

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If your doctor gives you medication to reduce anxiety during the exam, you will not be able to drive yourself home. The PET/CT will not affect your ability to drive.

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What about family or friends accompanying me?

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People who are not patients are unable to wait in the injection rooms or scan room. Family/friends are welcome to remain in the reception area or come back when the patient’s PET/CT scan is completed. Please do not have small children or pregnant women accompany you to your exam. Please make arrangements for childcare if necessary and avoid close contact with small children and pregnant women for at least 4 hours following the end of your PET examination.

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What happens when I arrive for my scan?

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When you arrive for your scan at Grossman Imaging Centers, the receptionist will check you in for your appointment and provide you with a questionnaire to complete. The Technologist will review your medical history with you and explain the procedure. Please feel free to discuss the procedure and ask any questions that you have regarding the procedure with the Technologist. The Technologist will give you an injection of a very small amount of radioactive material called F-18 or FDG. This substance will absorb into the body similar to the way glucose or sugar absorbs into the body. After the injection, you will rest in a comfortable private room while this FDG goes through your body. You will then be taken into the room with the PET/CT scanner where you will lie comfortably on the scanner bed during your procedure. PLEASE ADVISE US IMMEDIATELY IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO LIE FLAT ON YOUR BACK FOR 30 MINUTES. The Technologist will be there to accompany you out of the imaging area after your scan has been completed.

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How should I prepare for the procedure?

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To download instructions please click Exam Preparations

 

• Wear warm, comfortable clothing that does not have any buttons, zippers or metal.

• Bring previous PET, MRI, and or CT films obtained outside of Grossman Imaging Centers for the radiologist to compare directly to your PET/CT scan

• Do not eat or drink, except plain water for 6 hours before the scan, i.e. no food, gum, mints, coffee, etc. and limit nicotine.

• For 24 hours prior to your exam avoid all foods that are rich in carbohydrates and/or sugar.

• You may take any necessary medications that can be taken with water and are tolerated on an empty stomach, except for over the counter medications that contain sugar, such as cough syrup or throat lozenges.

• Diabetic patients will need to watch their diet and blood glucose closely for several days before the exam. It is important to keep blood sugar levels below 150 at the time of your PET examination.

• No vigorous exercise or hard physical labor for 24 hours prior to your PET Scan appointment.

• Allow 2-3 hours for the PET/CT procedure.

• For oncology patients, therapy itself may result in changes on the PET/CT in the area treated. It is important to tell the technologist if you have received or are currently receiving radiation or chemotherapy treatments, including the dates of such treatments.