The Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF) is combined with a Computed Tomography (CT) scan to show images of the body tissues. Together, PET and CT scans create powerful images of the anatomy and biological functions of the body to reveal disease states that allow physicians to better view the structural details, location and changes in body tissues.

PET images show tissue function and can provide important information about many conditions, including certain cancers and cardiac diseases, as well as various skin and brain disorders.

Below are frequently asked questions about the PET/CT scan.

• Can I Eat or Drink Before My Scan?
• How Much Time Should I Allow for the Scan?
• How Does the Procedure Work?
• What Should I Do To Prepare for My Scan?
• How Will I Feel After the Scan?
• About the Scan
• How to Schedule an Appointment

Can I Eat or Drink Before My Scan?

This will depend on the type of study, but typically you will be asked not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your scan.
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How Much Time Should I Allow for the Scan?

You can expect to be at PAMF's Nuclear Medicine Department for one-and-one-half to three hours. The actual scan takes approximately 35 minutes.
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How Does the Procedure Work?

To begin the scan, a small amount of radioactive glucose is injected into your bloodstream. This injection is not dangerous. Glucose (also known as sugar) is a common substance every cell in your body needs in order to function. Radioactive glucose must pass multiple quality control measures before it is used for any patient injection. The radiation exposure associated with PET is similar to that associated with a conventional CT scan.

After the injection, you will wait approximately one hour while the injected material is distributed throughout your body.

Next, you will be asked to lie on a table that passes slowly through the PET/CT scanner. The scanner resembles two donut-shaped spheres placed closely together.
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What Should I Do To Prepare for My Scan?

For your comfort and peace of mind, please follow the instructions below.

• Tell your physician if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.
  
• Wear comfortable clothing.
  
• Tell your physician if you are diabetic.
  
• Wear your hearing aid, glasses or dentures to the scan, if necessary. However, please leave valuables at home.
  
• Take any prescribed medications on the day of your test unless instructed not to do so.
  
• Ask your doctor if you should eat after midnight on the day before the scan.
  
• Avoid all beverages with caffeine and sugar.

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How Will I Feel After the Scan?

You should feel fine. There are no side effects from the injected material. If you have a heart scan, you may feel flushed afterward.
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About the Scan

The PET/CT scan is safe and performed as an outpatient procedure.
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How to Schedule an Appointment

To schedule an appointment, please contact the Nuclear Medicine Department at 650-853-2924 after you have received a referral from your primary care or specialty physician.
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