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PET prostate cancer

Patient Education
Last reviewed

What is it?

This scan is performed to check suspicious prostate cancer spread before therapy or recurrence based on rising blood prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. 

Your Appointment:

Changes to Insurance:

These exams often need pre-authorization. Letting us know about changes before the test can help lessen delays. 

  • If you have any changes to your insurance:
  • Call Registration before your appointment.
  • 1-866-309-0832 

If you cannot do the prep: 

  • You may not be able to have the test. 
  • You may need to be rescheduled. 

If you need to cancel: 

Call the P.E.T Center 1-319-356-4100.
 

Getting ready for your test:

Before your test, tell your doctor or nurse if:

  • You have a fear of closed-in places.
  • You are very nervous. 

We can give you a medicine to help you relax. You will need a licensed driver with you before we can give you this medicine.

Food:

  • Eat and drink as normal. 
  • Drink a lot of water.

If you have any other test today and are told not to eat or drink, follow those instructions.

Medication:

  • Take all of your other medicines with water.

What to expect:

  • You may be in the PET Center for 2 to 3 hours. 
  • You will wait in a room for 45 minutes before the test.
  • The test will take 30 to 45 minutes.

During the test we will give you a small amount of radioactive tracer into your vein through an intravenous catheter (IV).

After the test you may:

  • Do your normal activity.