PET/CT Scan FAQS Oklahoma

No, you don’t need a referral to get a PET/CT Scan. However, we require each patient to have a Primary Care Physician so we may obtain pertinent medical history and relay the results to manage future care needs.

The entire PET/CT Scan process may take 1.5 - 2 hours.

Reports of Findings are usually available within 24 hours of the examination.

Wear comfortable clothes for the scan. However, you may be asked to change from regular clothes to a hospital gown. Leave valuables such as a watch and jewelry at home. During the scan, you must remove any metal, such as hearing aids, dentures, eyeglasses, etc.

Yes, the radiation in radioactive tracer is relatively low to cause any problems. It will not reside in your body for long and can be flushed out by drinking fluids.

The patient must fast for six before the scan and can only drink plain water. However, if the patient has diabetes and is on medication, they can eat an early morning breakfast, depending on the condition. A significant amount of fasting between 4-6 hours is recommended.

No, the patient cannot exercise for 24 hours before the PET/CT Scan.

There are no potential side effects except redness, bruising, or swelling on the injected area, a rare allergic reaction to the tracer, or if you feel claustrophobic or may not fit on the scanner table.

Pregnant women should not undergo PET/CT Scans as radiation can cause harm to their developing babies. Nursing mothers should avoid breastfeeding for at least 24 hours after undergoing a PET/CT Scan.