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 Depending on the type and reason for your PET scan, you may be asked
not to eat anything for several hours before the scan. Because the
procedure uses short-lived isotopes, you may also be asked to arrive
well before the actual scan for preparation. The staff may check your
glucose level at this time to make sure that high levels do not interfere
with the utilization of the tracer glucose. If necessary as in the
case of pelvic disease, you may have a catheter inserted to minimize
the interference from bladder activity. For some exams, laxatives
or diuretics may be necessary. Be sure to ask what preparations
are required when scheduling your exam.
To begin the actual PET procedure, the isotope is injected into your
blood stream. There is no danger to you from this injection. The radiation
exposure associated with PET is similar to that associated with a
conventional CT scan.
After the injection you will wait approximately an hour, comfortably
seated in a private room, while the injected material is distributed
throughout your body. Then, you will be escorted to the PET Scanning
Room and asked to lie on a table that passes slowly through the scanner.
The scan does not cause reactions or discomfort, other than the small
injection that is required.
After the scan is over you should feel fine. There are no side effects
from the injected isotopes.
You can expect to be in the PET Center for several
hours. The actual scan takes approximately an
hour.
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