The PET scan that your doctor ordered for you will assist with your diagnosis and treatment options. It is extremely important that you follow the patient prep outlined below to make sure that the results of this test are accurate. If you should have any questions prior to your arrival, please contact the PET Department at (937) 395-8588.

The PET scan preparation is as follows:

• Nothing to eat or drink 4 hours prior to your arrival, except water

• No gum, candy, mints or cough drops 4 hours prior to your arrival

• If you are a diabetic, you will be asked to arrive an hour early to measure your blood sugar results

• Please advise the PET scheduler and/or nurse of any medication that you are taking because your prep may change for the PET scan.

Once you arrive at the PET facility

After you arrive, the nurse will take you to a room where she will take your medical history and check your blood sugar level. The nurse will also insert an IV into your arm or hand and a technologist will inject you with a very small amount of radioactive tracer. You will then rest and relax for at least 60 minutes prior to your scan. During this hour, the radioactive tracer will circulate throughout your body. After approximately an hour, your PET scan will start. You will lay on the PET scanner bed between 45 minutes to one hour.

After your scan is finished, you will be asked to urinate to remove most of the radioactive tracer from your body. Most of the radioactivity will be eliminated from your body within four to eight hours after the material is injected.