Do you have to put your arms above your head for a PET scan?

During the imaging scan, you will be required to lie flat with your arms raised above your head. If you think you will be unable to keep your arms above your head for approximately 35 minutes, please notify the technologist, and they may accommodate you.

How are you positioned for a PET scan?

During a positron emission tomography (PET) scan, you lie on a narrow table that slides into a doughnut-shaped hole. The scanner takes about 30 minutes to produce detailed images of metabolic activity in your tissues and organs.

Does your whole body go into a PET scan?

Scanning the whole body all at once

PET (positron emission tomography) is an extremely safe and powerful method for imaging inside the body, used to evaluate organs and other tissues for potential diseases, including cancer.

What are the rules for a PET scan?

Avoid exercising 24 hours before the scan. Follow a special diet for 12 to 24 hours before the scan. Don't drink or eat anything, except water, for 6 hours before the scan.

Do you lay on your back for a PET scan?

Once you're ready to start the scan, you'll be asked to lie on your back on a platform. The platform will enter a long tube where the PET scan is performed. The scan will take 20 to 40 minutes. It's very important to remain still during the test.

The FDG PET Scan: What to expect

Is a PET scan very claustrophobic?

It is much less confining than an MRI. It is also very quiet and comfortable. Most claustrophobic patients have no difficulty with the procedure. However, if you are severely claustrophobic, you might ask your doctor to consider a mild sedative.

How can I relax during a PET scan?

It is important that you be as comfortable and relaxed as possible prior to and during the PET or PET/CT scan. You can take medications such as Valium, Ativan, or pain medications to lessen any anxiety or discomfort you may have.

Can I brush my teeth before a PET scan?

Can I brush my teeth before a PET/CT scan? Normal brushing without swallowing mouthwash or toothpaste within the four hour preparation timeframe will have no effect on the outcome of your PET/CT scan.

What not to do before a PET scan?

Do not eat or drink anything, except water, for 6 hours before the exam. You may drink water, as much water as you can would be helpful, until arrival. Routine medications may be taken, unless you have been instructed otherwise.

How long do you have to lie down for a PET scan?

You will sit or lie down on a comfortable chair or bed for 30-90 minutes while the FDG travels throughout your body. During this time, a family member or loved one will be allowed to safely wait with you until it is time for your test. At this time the technologist will assist you to the scanner.

Does a PET scan do your head?

A PET scan can show the size, shape, and function of the brain, so your doctor can make sure it is working as well as it should. It is most often used when other tests, such as MRI scan or CT scan, do not provide enough information.

What cancers will not show up on a PET scan?

Though most cancers are picked up on PET CT, there are a few which do not. The most important of these would be cancer of stomach (signet cell type). In such cases performing this test would be waste. However, there are cancers which are very sensitively detected which include lymphoma, GIST, etc.

Is a PET scan open on both ends?

It is open at both ends and the table moves through the opening. Once in the opening, a quiet camera scans your body.

Can you move during a PET scan?

You need to rest and avoid moving too much during this hour. This allows the radiotracer to spread through your body and into your tissues. The radiotracer is a radioactive sugar. The one commonly used is called FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose).

What can throw off a PET scan?

Can you sleep during a PET scan?

Then, the patient will be asked to lie on a table that passes slowly through the scanner. The scanner resembles a CT scanner, but has a much larger opening. Some people fall asleep during the scan.

Can you pee before a PET scan?

If you're having a brain PET-CT, it is important to limit brain activity before your scan. Your nurse may tell you not to read or listen to music while you're waiting for your scan. Your care team will ask you to urinate (pee) just before your scan.

How long does a whole body PET scan take?

The entire PET scan process takes about two hours. It can take up to 60 minutes for your body to absorb the injected radiotracer. During this time, you'll need to sit quietly and limit your movements.

Can I drive after PET scan?

After the PET-CT scan

You can do normal activities after the scan. This includes driving. The staff will tell you to drink several glasses of water. This helps wash the radioactive substance and dye out of your body.

Why can't you have caffeine before a PET scan?

Caffeine. Caffeine, a stimulant, can increase your heart rate and blood pressure and inhibits the effectiveness of the medication needed for the stress portion of the test. Caffeine will interfere with the results of your cardiac PET scan, and if consumed, your appointment will be rescheduled.

Can anxiety affect a PET scan?

When a patient experiences anxiety during PET/CT imaging, the quality of the scan can be affected in several ways. Current patient-technologist communication is limited in PET/CT because the technologist must be separated from the patient during the course of the imaging workflow.

Is a PET scan in a tunnel?

You will need to wait nearby as the tracer is absorbed by your body. This usually takes about 1 hour. Then, you will lie on a narrow table, which slides into a large tunnel-shaped scanner.

Can a PET scan tell if a lung mass is cancerous?

Although lung tumors are often initially evaluated through a chest x-ray or CT scan, PET and PET-CT scans are highly accurate at determining whether a lung mass is cancerous and may even eliminate the need for surgical biopsy.

Is a PET scan loud like an MRI?

Due to the unique way a PET-MRI scanner works, a loud, banging noise will be heard while the actual scanning is taking place.

How many hours after PET scan are you radioactive?

With a PET or a PET/CT scan, you will give off very low levels of radiation for around 6 hours afterwards. As a precaution, you should avoid being close to women who are pregnant during this time. It should also be safe to be around adult pets, as long as they are not pregnant.