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Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Neuroendocrine Tumor (NET) Scan

Patient Education
Last reviewed

What is this scan?

It is a scan to find and look at somatostatin receptor positive neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) in adults and kids.

Getting ready for your scan:

  • Dress warm. Do not wear jewelry. Do not wear clothing with metal or zippers.
  • Call at least 48 hours before your scan if you cannot keep your appointment.
    • At times, the medicine you are given for this scan is ordered from outside the hospital. It is very expensive. The hospital is charged for the medicine if you do not show up or cancel at the last minute

Food

  • Eat and drink as normal
    • Drink enough water so you are well hydrated.
  • If you have any other scan 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 scan
    • Lanreotide (Somatuline): Stop taking it 4 weeks before your scan
    • Octreotide SQ: Stop taking it 12 hours before your scan
  • Take all your other normal medications with water before your scan.

Before your scan, tell your 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.

What to expect:

  • You may be at the PET Center for two to three 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 45 minutes in a room before being scanned by the camera. The scan will take 20 to 25 minutes.
  • After the scan you should 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