Pet/ CT Exam

Thank you for choosing Upson Regional Medical Center for your healthcare needs! Food, diet, clothing, medication, and lifestyle choices can affect the results of your PET/CT scan. Below you will find important instructions on preparing for your scan; please read it carefully to ensure you are properly prepared for your scan.

-- A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is a medical imaging technique that produces 3D images of the inside of the body. It uses radioactive tracers to measure and visualize changes in metabolic processes, blood flow, and other physiological activities.

– The day before your scan:

• Eat a low carbohydrate/high protein diet (have meat, eggs, cheese) and avoid cereals, bread, sugar, etc.
• It’s important to be well hydrated; we recommend you drink 4 glasses of plain, clear, unflavored water
• No strenuous exercise (running, weight lifting, biking, etc)

-- The day of your scan:

• You will be asked to remove all items that contain metal prior to your scan; this includes jewelry, hair pins, and anything clothing that contains metal (a gown will be provided). To expedite your visit, we recommended wearing warm, comfortable, metal-free clothing such as leggings, sweat pants, t-shirt, and sports bra if wearing a bra.

• If you are diabetic:
  • Nothing to eat 4 hours prior to your scan (this is called the fasting period); this includes mints, gum, cough drops, and hard candy
  • Prior to the fasting period, eat a high protein/low carbohydrate diet
  • Your glucose level will be tested once you arrive; if for any reason your level is out of the range approved by our radiologist, your exam may need to be rescheduled
  • You may have plain, clear, unflavored water only throughout the fasting period (no juice, coffee, tea, or soda)
  • Take your oral medication or your insulin 4 hours prior to your scan
  • If you use an insulin pump, please contact the Radiology Department at 706-647-8111 for further instructions
  • Bring as few items as possible, however please do bring a current list of medications and your insurance card
  • Post scan instructions will be provided by the technologist

  • If you are not diabetic:
    • Nothing to eat 4 hours prior to your scan (this is called the fasting period); this includes mints, gum, cough drops, and hard candy
    • You may have plain, clear, unflavored water only throughout the fasting period (no juice, coffee, tea, or soda)
    • Take medication as scheduled as long as they can be tolerated on an empty stomach
    • Bring as few items as possible, however please do bring a current list of medications and your insurance card
    • Post scan instructions will be provided by the technologist
      
      **IMPORTANT: In order to have a successful result of your scan, a costly medication especially formulated for you will be ordered the day prior to your appointment; please arrive 15-30 minutes early to complete your registration (located at the main entrance of the hospital) as the medication may not be usable if you are late. If for any reason you cannot keep your appointment, please notify us at 706-647-8111 as soon as possible.