Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans are vital diagnostic tools that provide detailed images of your body’s functions. Utilizing radioactive tracers, PET scans help doctors detect and monitor various conditions, from cancer to neurological disorders. To ensure the safety and effectiveness of your PET scan, understanding the pre and post-procedure care is crucial. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before and after your PET scan.
Preparing for Your PET Scan: Pre-Procedure Instructions
Proper preparation is essential for accurate PET scan results and your comfort. Here’s what you need to do before your appointment:
Patient Safety First
Your safety is our priority. Please inform our staff about the following:
- Allergies: Disclose any allergies, especially to medications or contrast dyes used in imaging procedures.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or suspect you might be, it’s crucial to inform your doctor immediately as radiation exposure can be a concern for pregnant women.
- Valuables: It is recommended to leave jewelry and valuables at home to avoid any loss or inconvenience during the procedure.
- Interpreter Services: If you require language interpretation, please let us know in advance so arrangements can be made to ensure clear communication.
- Medication List: Bring a complete list of your current medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements. This is especially important if you are an outpatient.
Specific Preparations
To optimize the PET scan quality, please adhere to these guidelines:
- Limited Carbohydrate Diet: For 24 hours leading up to your scan, follow a limited carbohydrate diet as instructed. This helps in reducing glucose levels which can interfere with the tracer uptake in certain scans.
- Fasting: Do not eat or drink anything except water for at least 6 hours before your PET scan. Drinking plenty of water before your scan is encouraged and helpful for hydration and image clarity.
- Medications: Continue taking your routine medications unless specifically instructed otherwise by your doctor. If you are diabetic, take your diabetes medication no less than 4 hours before the exam to manage your blood sugar levels appropriately.
- Arrival Time: Arrive 15 to 30 minutes prior to your scheduled PET scan time to complete the necessary paperwork and preparation steps.
- Contrast Screening Form: You will be given a contrast screening form to fill out upon arrival. This helps us assess any contraindications for contrast agents, which are sometimes used to enhance image details.
- Lab Tests: In some cases, your doctor may order lab tests before administering contrast to check your kidney function. This is because the contrast is eliminated from your body through the kidneys.
- Intravenous (IV) Line and Contrast Injection: A small IV line will likely be inserted into a vein in your arm. This line is used to inject both the radioactive tracer and, if required, a contrast dye. The contrast helps to improve the visibility of certain tissues and organs in the PET images.
During Your PET Scan Procedure
The PET scan process itself is generally straightforward:
- Exam Duration: The entire procedure, from preparation to scan completion, typically lasts around 2 hours, but the scan time itself can vary.
- Positioning and Instructions: The technologist will help you lie comfortably on the exam table. It’s crucial to remain as still as possible during the scanning process. You may also be asked to hold your breath for brief periods.
- Communication: You are encouraged to ask the technologists any questions you may have before, during, or after the scan. They are there to ensure your comfort and address any concerns.
Post-Procedure Care: After Your PET Scan
After your PET scan is completed, some simple aftercare steps will help you recover and ensure any tracer material is quickly eliminated from your body:
- Hydration: Drink approximately 5 glasses of water after the procedure. This helps to flush the radioactive tracer out of your system more quickly.
- Breastfeeding: If you are a nursing mother, it is advised to wait for 24 hours before resuming breastfeeding to minimize any potential exposure to the tracer for your infant.
- Monitoring for Symptoms: While rare, some individuals might experience mild reactions. If you notice any symptoms such as nasal congestion, itchy eyes, hives, rashes, sneezing, restlessness, tremors, pain, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness, inform the staff immediately. We are equipped to manage these situations. If symptoms appear after you have left, contact your doctor or visit the nearest emergency room. For life-threatening symptoms, call 911 immediately.
By following these pre and post care instructions, you can help ensure your PET scan is a safe and successful diagnostic experience. If you have any specific questions or concerns, always consult with your healthcare provider or the radiology department for personalized guidance.
