What is this test?
It is a scan to find and look at somatostatin receptor positive neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) in adults and kids.
Your appointment
If you make any changes to your insurance before your test please call Registration at 1-866-309-0832. This will help lessen delays and the need to reschedule your test, as many radiology services need a pre-authorization.
You may not be able to have the test or it may need to be rescheduled if you cannot do the prep listed below.
Call the PET Center at 1-319-356-4100 and ask to talk with a nurse at least one day before your test if you cannot keep your appointment or have questions.
Getting ready for your test
- Do not wear jewelry.
- Do not wear clothing with metal.
Before your test, tell your doctor or nurse if:
- You are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.
- You have a fear of closed-in places or if you are very nervous. We can give you medicine to help you relax. You will need a person with you to drive you home if you take the medicine.
Food
- Eat and drink as normal
- Drink enough water so you are well hydrated.
- If you have any other test today where you are told not to eat or drink for a longer amount of time, follow those instructions.
Medicine
- If you take:
- Sandostatin LAR, stop taking it four weeks before your test
- Lanreotide (Somatuline), stop taking it four weeks before your test
- Octreotide SQ, stop taking it 12 hours before your test
- Take all your other normal medications with water before your test.
What to expect
- You may be at the PET Center for two to three hours.
- During the test, we will give you a small amount of radioactive tracer into your vein through an intravenous catheter (IV).
- You will wait 45 minutes in a room before being scanned by the camera. The test will take 20 to 25 minutes.
- After the test you may:
- Eat and drink as normal
- Do your normal activity