PET Scan Preparation

Preparing for your PET or PET/CT Scan

For 6 hours before your test, do not eat or drink (except water). Do not even chew gum.
Your last meal before the scan should be high in protein and low in carbohydrates. For example:
- Dinner: steak, baked chicken, fish, cheese, asparagus, broccoli, mushrooms. No pasta, potatoes, rice or bread.
- Breakfast: eggs, bacon, sausage. No breakfast should be eaten if you have an appointment before noon.
Continue to take any medication prescribed by your physician. If you have been advised to take your medications with food, eat nothing more than a few soda crackers 4-8 hours prior to your exam.
Avoid caffeine, sugar, tobacco and heavy exercise for 24 hours prior to your exam.
If you have diabetes, discuss this with your physician and call the center staff 48 hours before your scan.
If you are, or think you may be pregnant, discuss this with your physician. Generally, PET and PET/CT scans are not performed on pregnant women.

Bring with you:
- Insurance cards
- Previous CT scans, x-rays and prior PET exams
- Medical history
- Pathology reports
Wear warm, comfortable clothes, the scanner room is cool.
Avoid clothes with heavy buckles or metal components.