Preparing for an Examination
General Guidelines for ALL Patients:
- Do not do any strenuous exercise or strenuous work the day before or the day of your test.
- Please inform the technologist if you have any of the following conditions: Asthma, Diabetes, Multiple Myeloma, Pheocromocytoma, or if you are on dialysis.
- Please inform the technologist if you have any Iodine or shellfish allergies, or if you have had an allergic reaction to a CAT scan in the past, or if you are taking corticosteroids or glucophage.
- Wear comfortable clothing; you will need to change for this test.
- Plan on being with us for 2 hours.
- Please notify the technologist if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
- Most people do not have a problem with claustrophobia. However, if you are claustrophobic you may schedule a time to come and see the equipment and how it moves. You may ask your physician to prescribe a single dose of a relaxant to take the day of your PET/CT exam. In such cases, arrangements should be made to have someone provide the patient with transportation after the exam.
Dietary Restrictions for ALL Patients:
- Do not eat or drink (except water) 6 hours before your test. If your test is scheduled in the afternoon you may have a low-carbohydrate breakfast.
- Have a low-carbohydrate dinner the night before your test.
- You should drink at least two 16-ounce glasses of water the day before your test and one before coming in for your test.
- NO caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine the day before or the day of your test
- Take your usual medications the day of your test.
Dietary Restrictions for DIABETIC Patients:
(YOUR TEST WILL BE SCHEDULED IN THE AFTERNOON TO ALLOW YOU TO HAVE A LOW-CARBOHYDRATE BREAKFAST)
- Have a low-carbohydrate dinner the night before your test.
- Have a low-carbohydrate breakfast the day of your test, then nothing to eat or drink (except water) 6 hours before your test.
- Take your oral medication or insulin early in the morning the day of your test.
Examples of Low-Carbohydrate Foods You May Eat:
- All meats, fish, eggs, cheese and tofu
- Non-starchy vegetables like: green beans, broccoli, spinach, zucchini and lettuce
- Diet sodas
- Margarine, butter and oils
- Any foods containing 5 grams or less of carbohydrate per serving.
Examples of High Carbohydrate Foods NOT to Eat:
- Peas, corn, rice, potato and beans
- Milk and nondairy milk drinks
- Fruit, fruit juices and sodas
- All cereals, grains, pastas and breads
- Any food containing more than 5 grams of carbohydrate per serving.