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Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Brain Metabolism Scan

Patient Education
Last reviewed

What is this scan?

What is this scan? It is a scan to look for seizures, where they start in the brain, and to check for other neurological disorders.

Getting ready for your scan:

Food

  • Do not eat for 6 hours before the scan. You may only drink plain water.
    • If you get food through a tube, stop the tube feeding 6 hours before the scan.
    • If you get nourishment through a vein in your arm, such as total parenteral nutrition (TPN), stop the infusion 6 hours before the scan.
  • 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

  • Take your normal medicines with water before your scan.
  • Do not take any insulin 4 hours before the scan.
    • If you must take insulin to control your blood sugar levels, do so and call us to reschedule the scan.
  • If you wear an insulin pump, stop the pump 4 hours before your scan. If you cannot turn off the pump, keep it at a basal (night) setting for 4 hours before your scan.

Other:

  • Dress warm. Do not wear jewelry. Do not wear clothing with metal or zippers.
  • You must be seizure-free for 12 hours before your scan.
  • You will have your blood sugar checked when you get to the PET Center. If your blood sugar is above 200, the scan will be rescheduled.
  • Tell your nurse before the scan if:
    • You are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What to expect:

  • The scan takes 15 to 20 minutes. You may be in the PET Center for 2 hours.
    • Before the scan we will give you a small amount of radioactive tracer into your vein through an intravenous catheter (IV).
    • You will wait 20 minutes in a room with your eyes open and the lights dimmed before the scan.
      • You cannot read, use your cell phone, or do other activities in this time.
  • After the scan you may:
    • Eat and drink as normal
    • Do your normal activity
    • Drink extra fluids and pee often

Your appointment:

Directions: 

  • Take Elevator I to the Lower Level (LL).
  • Take a left out of the elevator.
  • The PET Imaging Center reception is down the hall on the right. 

Changes to insurance: 

These exams often need pre-authorization. Letting us know about changes before the scan can help lessen delays. If you have any changes to your insurance: 

  • Call Registration (866-309-0382) before your appointment. 

If you cannot do the prep: 

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

 If you need to cancel: 

• Call the PET Center at 319-356-4100