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Pet Scan Prep Sheet
APPOINTMENT DATE: _______________________ TIME: ____________________
You have been scheduled for a PET scan at Vidant Medical Center. Please read and follow all instructions listed below to
ensure that your exam can be properly performed. If you have any questions regarding the following instructions,
please call the PET department at 252-847-0071.
Plan on the exam taking 2 ½ to 3 hours.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Females between the ages of 12-55 will be asked to complete a Pregnancy Screening Form.
If you have not had a hysterectomy, tubal ligation or your partner has not had a vasectomy, we require that you have no
sexual activity since the last day of your normal menstrual period, or 10 days of abstinence before your procedure and a
pregnancy test will be performed. If you require a pregnancy test please arrive 1 hour prior to your procedure for lab
work.
If you are diabetic and/or insulin dependent, you should take your diabetic medication and/or insulin 6 hours before
your exam time with a small amount of juice and dry toast or plain crackers. We will test your sugar level before we
begin your exam. You must have blood glucose level of 200mg.dl or less to have your PET scan.
Other medication can be taken normally the morning of your PET scan.
You (the patient) must have no solid food or sugar containing drinks 6 hours prior (before) your PET scan, nothing
except for water. Do not take any form of caffeine (sodas, coffee, tea, chocolate, etc…) nicotine (cigarettes or chew),
or alcohol (beer or liquor) 12 hours before your PET scan.
Anti-anxiety medications are not routinely needed. However if you require them, we do not provide anti-anxiety
medications. The medication should be obtained from the doctor ordering you PET scan, and may be used if needed.
The patient should bring the medications with them to take as instructed by a technologist in the PET department. If
you are going to take medication for the exam, please make sure you have a driver to take you home.
Please avoid any strenuous exercise 24 hours before your PET scan. This exercise can cause muscle uptake in the body
and the test may need to be repeated.
Pregnant women and small children should not accompany the patient for the scan. There are no facilities available to
watch children, nor are children allowed in the scanning area.
Special instructions for all pediatric patients and young adult female patients:
Avoid “cold” for several hours before your PET scan. Please wear cold weather clothing, something very warm and
snuggly. Bring an extra sweater or jacket. Have your car warmed up before you drive to the hospital and if it is cold
outside, have someone drop you off at the door.
TO DO LIST:
 Please arrive 30 minutes before your exam is scheduled. A new history form will need to be completed even if
you have been here before.
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Patients should hand carry copies of their most recent CT/MRI/X-ray study with them to their appointment (if
they were not performed at Vidant Medical Center). The Nuclear Radiologist will use these prior films to
compare with the PET scan.
If you are unable to make your scheduled appointment time, please call the department at least 24 hours in
advance 252-847-0071, or you may call Central Scheduling at 252-847-4541.
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