NUCLEAR MEDICINE: PET/CT SCAN
Procedure Scheduling: (319) 398-6868
WHAT IT IS:
A PET scan is used to evaluate your body's activity and structure. A small injection of Radiopharmaceutical FDG (Fluorine 18) will enable the scan to identify tumors or potential cancers as well as other abnormal conditions. Allow 3 hours for this test. The radiation exposure from the FDG injection is similar to that of a CT scan and a standard nuclear medicine procedure such as a bone or heart scan.
PREPARATION:
Nothing to eat or drink for at least 4 hours prior to the exam. However, drink 2 glasses of water 2 hours before the test. Use the bathroom as needed. All other food (including gum) will interfere with the test. If you are taking medication for diabetes, discuss with your physician how you should take these medications on the day of the test.
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS:
Please inform your doctor, before scheduling the exam, if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or are breast feeding.
Take medications as usual, unless your physician instructs you otherwise. Let us know if you are claustrophobic or have difficulty lying on your back.
Wear comfortable, relaxed clothing. Avoid excessive jewelry and layers of clothing. You may wear your hearing aid, dentures, partials, eye glasses or contacts.
Accompanying family/friends will be asked to leave the PET scan area before you are injected with the radioactive FDG. They will be instructed when and where to meet you when the test is completed.
PROCEDURE:
- You will be taken to the PET/CT imaging area where a nurse will provide you with further information about the scan.
- An IV will be started, your blood pressure checked, and your vital signs will be assessed.
- An IV injection of FDG will be given and you will have a 45 to 60 minute wait for the FDG to circulate and be absorbed by your body tissues.
- The scan will take 25 to 45 minutes. You will need to lie flat with minimal movement. You will be able to resume normal activity after the test.
PLEASE BRING A LIST OF CURRENT MEDICATIONS YOU ARE TAKING.
FOLLOW-UP:
The results will be available from your physician in about 2-3 working days.
OUTPATIENT REGISTRATION:
Please arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Park in the Mercy Medical Center Parking Ramp, located at the corner of 8th Street and 8th Avenue SE . You will be pre-registered, so you can proceed to Ground (G) level and follow the signs to “Radiology (X-Ray)”, also located on Ground (G) level.
Your appointment date and time:
