1. I’m claustrophobic; will I be able to take something to help me relax?
Yes. These medications are prescribed by your ordering physician and filled by your local pharmacy. Please bring the medication with you to your appointment. A technologist will notify you of the optimal time to take this medication, as there is a minimum waiting period prior to imaging on the scanner. Please note, our department does not supply or prescribe these medications.
2. Do you offer sedation for the scan?
No. We are unable to fully sedate you for the study. Please work with your physician so he can prescribe an appropriate relaxing medication so you can complete the PET-CT Scan.
3. Why do I have a diet restriction?
Sugars/artificial sugars and high blood sugars can affect the absorption of the imaging material. Anything ingested within six hours prior to administration of our imaging material will prevent proper absorption, giving inaccurate results.
4. Why can I not take my diabetic medication? Why does my blood sugar have to be below 200 mg/dL?
Blood sugars must be below 200mg/dL to acquire adequate imaging based on our imaging material. The imaging material is a glucose derivative. Therefore, if blood sugars are too high, the imaging material is competing with the higher sugars already present in the body, preventing proper absorption. If diabetic medications are taken within six hours prior to injection, the diabetic medication will BLOCK our imaging material to absorb properly.
5. I have a port, can you use that instead of an IV?
If you need port access, please contact your local PET-CT Scan imaging center.
6. Do I need any special preparation if I have a glucose pump or medical infusion pump?
Please contact your local PET-CT Scan imaging center for preparation instructions if you have a glucose or medical infusion pump.
7. Are there any potential side effects to a PET-CT scan?
No. Our imaging material is saline-based. The test could affect blood sugar levels, so diabetics should follow the instructions provided specifically for their needs.
8. Are there any restrictions after the scan?
We advise patients to keep their distance from pregnant women and small children to reduce radioactive exposure for about 12 hours after their exam. If you are traveling, please notify a technologist, as we can provide documentation if going through security at an airport/naval base/any secured area. Otherwise, we recommend staying hydrated to help flush your body of the imaging material.
9. Is the machine like a MRI machine?
No. The PET-CT scanner is like a CT machine.
10. Are you giving me contrast?
Iodinated contrast is not given unless specified by your ordering physician. Based on the type of PET-CT exam ordered, you may be given 1 bottle of barium contrast to drink during your appointment. (Please note: Oral contrast and IV fluids may be site specific.)
11. When will I get my results?
When the scan is complete it is sent to a board-certified radiologist to read. The report is sent to your physician typically within 3 business days. Your physician will provide you with the results at your next appointment.
12. How much time should I allow for the scan?
You should allow approximately two hours for your appointment from check-in to completion of the exam.