- You have been scheduled for a PET scan. The weight limit for the machine is 375lbs.
- If you have problems keeping this appointment, please call 631-638-2121 to cancel or reschedule the appointment.
- Please have your doctor's office fax your prescription immediately to us at 631-638-2323. If you have a copy of your prescription please bring it with you. Note that your insurance company may require preauthorization for this test. Check with your doctor's office to make sure they have obtained you authorization.
- You need to fast for 6 hours prior to the study. The test is very sensitive. If you eat candy, gum, nutrasweet, sugar, ice cream or any other food, you may need to repeat the test. You may only drink plain water during the 6 hours of fasting prior to the test.
- Your last meal should be at least 6 hours prior to the exam. If possible, eat a high protein meal, such as chicken, meat, fish, bacon, eggs, ham. You should avoid carbohydrates, such as bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, chips or any sweet foods. If you are a vegetarian you may eat vegetables up to 6 hours before your exam.
- It is recommended that you drink at least ½ quart of plain water prior to the study. You should begin drinking water at least an hour before your exam. You may drink water at any time prior to this. (Please do not drink flavored water.) If you have kidney or heart problems, do not drink water if your doctor has advised you not to drink additional fluids.
- Please take all regularly prescribed medications. There are no restrictions on medications, as they will not interfere with the test. There is a special preparation for diabetic patients. If you are taking insulin or oral diabetic medication, please consult the information sheet for Diabetic Patients (click here to view).
- We start the test by placing an IV in your arm. The medication is injected through the IV. After the injection, you must wait 60 minutes to allow the medicine to circulate prior to the imaging. You may be asked to drink oral contrast. The total procedure time is approximately 3 hours.
- If you are anxious, tense, or claustrophobic, please ask your doctor to prescribe a sedative for you to take prior to coming for you PET scan. Only your regular physician is allowed to give you this type of medication. If you will take a sedative, you must arrange to have a responsible adult drive you home form the exam.
- Please bring copies of your latest CT and MRI films, as well as the reports.
- Exam location: Cancer Center, Ambulatory Care Pavilion.
- After the procedure, please stay away (at least 3 feet) from any children or pregnant women for 6 hours.
Directions to the Ambulatory Imaging Center
