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What is this scan?
It is a scan to check suspicious prostate cancer spread before therapy or recurrence based on rising blood prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.
Getting ready for your scan:
- Call at least 1 day 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.
- Dress warm. Do not wear jewelry. Do not wear clothing with metal or zippers.
Food
- Eat and drink as normal. Drink a lot of water.
- 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.
Before your scan, tell your nurse if:
- 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 30 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 wait 45 minutes in a room before the scan.
- After the scan you may:
- Eat and drink as normal
- Do your normal activity
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