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What is this scan?
It is a scan to look for and check tumors, spread of tumors, and tumor response to treatment.
Getting ready for your scan:
Food
- Do not eat or drink for 6 hours before the scan. You may only drink plain water.
- No cough drops, chewing gum, candy, mints, suckers, and so on for 6 hours before the scan.
- 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 scan 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 insulin for 4 hours before your 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 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.
- If you have a metal trach, change it to plastic before the 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:
- The scan takes 20 to 45 minutes. You may be in the PET Center for 2 to 3 hours.
- Before the scan we will give you a small amount of radioactive tracer into your vein through an intravenous catheter (IV).
- You will relax in a room for about 45 minutes before the scan.
- You cannot read, use your cell phone, or do other activities in this time.
- We encourage you to nap to get the best scan.
- After the scan you may:
- Eat and drink as normal
- Do your normal activity
- Drink extra fluids and urinate 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