Patient Instructions

PET Patient Instructions and General Information

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Due to the expensive and individual nature of the medicine used, cancellations MUST BE made by 5:00 m the day before the exam.

PREPARING FOR A PET SCAN:

• Please arrive at the PET Center 15 minutes prior to scheduled appointment time.
• Please allow 2-3 hours for PET examinations.
• Please bring most recent CT films.

PREP INSTRUCTIONS FOR HIGH PROTEIN/LOW CARBOHYDRATES DIET: THE HIGH PROTEIN DIET ALLOWS FOR THE REDUCTION OF CARDIAC UPTAKE SEEN NORMALLY ON A PET SCAN*

*THE NIGHT BEFORE YOUR EXAM - PLEASE ADHERE TO THIS DIET!

Main Course: Beef, Fish, Chicken, Eggs & Bacon, Tuna

Vegetables: Broccoli, Asparagus, Cauliflower, Zucchini, Spinach, Mushrooms

Dessert: Peanut Butter, Cheese, Cottage Cheese

Drink: Black Coffee, Unsweet Tea, Water

Note: All foods can be prepared with vegetable oils or butter.

Each patient needs to avoid the following foods the night before the scheduled exam:

• All carbohydrates and sugars
• Potatoes
• Rice
• Corn
• Carrots
• Crackers
• Breads
• Beets
• Pasta
• All Fruits
• Juices

THE DAY OF THE EXAM THE PATIENT DOES NOT NEED OT EAT ANYTHING 5 HOURS PRIOR TO THE SCAN. THIS INCLUDES TOBACCO AND HARD CANDY.

THE DAY OF YOUR EXAM

• Drink plenty of plain water ONLY before the exam.
• Take all medications prescribed by your physician. If necessary to eat with medication, eat a small portion of one food from the list above & drink water only.
• Do not exercise.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• If there is a possibility of pregnancy, please information our staff prior to your appointment.
• If you are insulin dependent diabetic, please inform our staff prior to your appointment.
• Please bring insurance cards and forms.

ATTENTION

Please bring a limited number of family members with each patient as there is limited space in the waiting area. Please make arrangements for childcare. We cannot be responsible for children left unattended.

Glossary