Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Computed Tomography (CT )

A PET /CT scan utilizes a glucose (sugar) tracer to obtain a metabolic scan of the body. In many cancers, metabolic changes occur before tumor masses form. As a result, combining the technology of PET and CT can often identify the presence of disease earlier than other exams. This exam is not performed on pregnant women.

Before the procedure
Twenty-four hours before your exam do not do any heavy exercise (jogging, aerobics, shoveling snow or other workouts). Exercise will make your pictures less accurate. Don’t eat or drink (except for water) for 6 hours before the exam. Do not chew gum or suck on mints. If you need to take your medications with food, you may take them with a few crackers. Your last meal should consist of high protein, and low carbohydrate foods. We would like you to be well hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Other fluids are not permitted. It is okay to continue taking your normal medications. If you must cancel or reschedule, please do so as soon as possible.

Patients must have a blood sugar under 200 at the start of the exam. Diabetic patients should take any oral medications needed to ensure this glucose level. Insulin must be held for 6 hours before the exam. If this will be a problem, please call the nuclear medicine department at the number listed below.

During the procedure
On the day of your exam wear warm, loose fitting clothing without metal zippers, snaps or clasps. A technologist will answer any questions you may have the day of the exam. They will check your blood sugar by a small poke in your fingertip. An IV will be started in your arm to administer the FDG (our metabolic tracer). After the injection you will need to rest quietly in a recliner for 60-90 minutes while the tracer circulates in your body. You will then be asked to empty your bladder before beginning the scan. You will be positioned on a table that passes through the scanner. The scan time is 20-30 minutes.

After the procedure
After the procedure you may resume your regular diet and activities. Your doctor will be contacted with the results of your test and will discuss the results with you.

Providing safe, quality patient care is our highest priority. To help ensure quality and safety, we ask that you do not bring young children with you to your appointments, as children are not allowed to accompany you during Imaging procedures. Staff is unable to monitor your child in your absence.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your doctor or the Nuclear Medicine Department in Imaging Services at (320) 251-2700, ext. 75005.

Your appointment is on:

Date: ________________ Time: ________________ at the following location:

____ St. Cloud Hospital - please check in at Door A / South Entrance

____ CentraCare Health Plaza - please check in at Woodlands Entrance