Patient Preparation & Instructions
What to expect & How to prepare
The primary goal of patient preparation is to reduce radiotracer uptake in normal tissues (e.g., kidneys, urinary bladder, skeletal muscles, myocardium, brown fat) in order to optimize radiotracer uptake in target structures (e.g., tumor tissue) and to keep the patient's radiation exposure as low as reasonably achievable.
- Before your appointment and arrival at the PET/CT Diagnostic Center
- Avoid intense physical activity and cold exposure before the exam.
- Follow a high-protein, low-carb diet 24 hours before (view dietary instructions).
- Fast for 6 hours before, drink only water (1 liter within the 2 hours prior is recommended).
- Avoid intense chewing movements (gum) and smoking (conventional or electronic)
- If you are diabetic, consult your doctor about adjusting your blood sugar control regimen. The test may need to be rescheduled if your blood glucose level is above 200 mg/dL or below 70 mg/dL.
- Bring your medical records, prior scans (CD), and doctor's referral.
- Women of childbearing age must make sure they are not pregnant by providing a recent negative pregnancy test.
- For breastfeeding women, it is recommended to remove breast milk with a breast pump a few days before the test, preserve it and use it afterwards.
- Contact the department if patient weight is over 200kg, or requires mobility assistance, or will be in contact with vulnerable individuals post-scan.
- Upon arrival at the PET/CT Diagnostic Center
- In order to arrange your schedule, please note that the total duration of your stay in the PET/CT department is approximately 2 hours.
- Arrive 30 minutes early for prep and IV placement.
- Be punctual due to the short half-life of the radiopharmaceutical.
- Only patients allowed in exam area (no pregnant women/children).
- Wear metal-free clothing; jewelry should be avoided.
- We will record height, weight, and blood glucose (target < 200 mg/dl).
- Scan Procedure
- 18FDG is injected via IV; radiation exposure is minimal.
- Advanced PET/CT scanners reduce dose while preserving image quality.
- Sedatives may be given for anxiety or head/neck scans, with consent.
- Rest quietly for 45–60 minutes post-injection.
- Movement should be minimized.
- You will be asked to urinate (empty your bladder) before the scan. Use of urinary aids must be managed.
- Technologists will monitor you during the 15-minute scan.
- After the Examination
- Image quality checked; additional scans/info may be required.
- PET and CT images are fused for comprehensive analysis.
- Results ready in 2 business days (written, images, CD).
- Reports can be translated to English if requested.
- No dietary/activity restrictions after.
- Sedated patients must not drive.
- It is recommended to avoid close contact (Maintain 2-meter distance) with children, pregnant women, for the next 8 hours after injection
- When leaving the center, use your private vehicle. Do not return to work on the day of the examination.
- Continue hydration post-scan for 24 hours to aid radiotracer clearance
- If using the toilet, urinate seated. Flush twice and clean up any spills with absorbent paper, flushing the paper well or the toilet paper you have used put it in a plastic bag for disposal. Wash your hands well after using the toilet.
- If you use a urine collector device, use disposable gloves when emptying it, ensuring that you do not contaminate the surrounding area.
- Avoid close contact with pets, especially if young or pregnant.
- Nursing mothers should limit contact with infant for 12 hours. Milk should be expressed and discarded for 12 hours, although a longer period of 12-24 hours is recommended to ensure sufficient clearance of the radioactive tracer.
- Travel Notice
- Notify staff if traveling by air/abroad within 24 hours post-scan for travel documentation.
- Radiation traces may be detectable up to 24 hours.
Protocol Standards
The above instructions and clinical protocol for 18F-PET/CT scan follow guidelines from:
The above instructions and clinical protocol for 18F-PET/CT scan follow guidelines from:
- Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI)
- European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM)
- American College of Radiology (ACR)
The main goals of patient preparation with a low carbohydrate diet and at least 6 hours of fasting are to ensure low blood glucose and insulin levels, for optimal uptake of the radiopharmaceutical in the target structures.
Allowed Foods:
Foods Not Allowed:
Allowed Foods:
- All meats, poultry, fish, and shellfish
- Hard cheeses
- Non-starchy vegetables such as: broccoli, spinach, green beans, asparagus, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, lettuce, mushrooms, radishes, zucchini
- Sugar-free nuts and peanut butter
- Zero-calorie sodas and beverages
- Eggs
- Oil, margarine, butter
Foods Not Allowed:
- Grains
- Pasta
- Legumes
- Fruits and fruit juices
- Sugar, honey, desserts, candies
- Starchy vegetables such as peas, corn, potatoes, beets
- Alcohol and nicotine products (avoid for 12 hours before examination)
- Breads
- Rice
- Jams and jellies
- Milk (including oat, almond, or soy), yogurt
- Coffee or tea (nothing with caffeine)
- DO NOT use chewing gum or candy
