A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is a nuclear diagnostic software that examines physique tissue functioning, comparable to blood movement, oxygen use, and sugar metabolism, to assist docs diagnose and deal with illness. To do a PET scan, a healthcare supplier injects a small quantity of radioactive glucose right into a vein, which permits extraordinarily small cancerous tumors and modifications within the coronary heart and mind to indicate up on the scan. It is vital to observe the particular pre-PET scan weight loss program your physician recommends to permit correct distribution of glucose all through your physique.
Sorts of PET Scans There are a number of forms of PET scans: The fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET scan is used for coronary heart circumstances and the detection of tumors, mind problems, or infections.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629ef48bad8-436e-4794-92f7-0017a6d8467e The myocardial perfusion PET stress take a look at, also called rubidium or adenosine PET, is used to guage blood movement by the coronary arteries to the guts muscle.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629b425467e-9763-4984-ac2c-6cbef8a1e232 A PET-CT scan is a mixed PET and computerized tomography (CT) scan. Whereas PET scans present how tissues and organs within the physique are working, CT scans generate 3D photos of constructions within the physique.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629c82ea04e-c4e8-4b84-9ef5-419418870c06 Various kinds of PET scans could require totally different preps, so examine along with your physician to make sure about which kind you are scheduled to obtain.
Meals to Eat Earlier than an FDG-PET Scan Within the 24 hours earlier than your FDG-PET scan, drink additional fluids however keep away from sugar and different high-carbohydrate meals.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629d9ea2fed-d5e1-42db-ad78-027d6d71c76d Meals to eat earlier than an FDG-PET scan embrace: Protein meals, comparable to nonbreaded rooster, beef, turkey, pork, lamb, ham, scorching canine, lunch meat, fish, shellfish, tofu, most nuts, sunflower seeds, eggs, and unsweetened peanut butter Greens low in carbohydrates, comparable to inexperienced beans, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, asparagus, cucumber, lettuce, mushrooms, and spinach Dairy merchandise low in carbohydrates, comparable to arduous cheese, bitter cream, eggs, and butter Condiments low in carbohydrates, comparable to mayonnaise, salad dressing, oil, vinegar, mustard, olives, and dill pickles Drinks low in carbohydrates, comparable to weight loss program soda, water, or sugar-free Crystal Mild
Meals to Keep away from Earlier than an FDG-PET Scan Earlier than your FDG-PET scan, keep away from something containing glucose and most processed meals, together with “low-carb” variations, for twenty-four hours earlier than your scan. Meals to keep away from the day earlier than an FDG-PET scan embrace: Greens comparable to potatoes, squash, carrots, peas, tomatoes, and corn Fruits, together with all fruit and fruit juices Grains, together with rice, rice desserts, bread, breaded meals, crackers, and pasta Dairy merchandise comparable to milk and ice cream Nondairy milks, comparable to almond, soy, or oat milk, and yogurts or frozen desserts comprised of them Legumes, together with all beans and soybeans Drinks that comprise alcohol or caffeine, together with beer, wine, liquor, espresso, and tea Condiments that comprise carbohydrates, comparable to ketchup, syrups, jams, sauces, and gravies Snack meals that comprise carbohydrates, comparable to chips, pretzels, sweet, gum, cough drops, and breath mints Along with avoiding these meals for the 24 hours earlier than your scan, additionally keep away from any strenuous exercise, comparable to exercising or heavy lifting, for 48 hours earlier than the scan.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629d3ce7bfb-9da6-42d3-8c45-a2e79d6bb4de For the six hours previous your FDG-PET scan, do not chew gum or eat or drink something besides water. For finest take a look at outcomes, be sure you’re nicely hydrated.
Meals to Keep away from Earlier than a Myocardial Perfusion PET Stress Take a look at Earlier than a myocardial perfusion PET stress take a look at, don’t eat or drink caffeinated merchandise, comparable to espresso, tea, chocolate, or comfortable drinks, for twenty-four hours earlier than your appointment. Additionally keep away from decaffeinated variations of those merchandise, as a result of they comprise a small quantity of caffeine.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629d30ed1a0-9ff4-48c8-a336-29b12dc3293d In case you’re taking a beta-blocker or a calcium channel blocker, seek the advice of your physician nicely earlier than the scan to debate when to cease taking these medicines. For 3 hours earlier than the scan, don’t eat something or drink something besides water.
Methods to Put together for a PET-CT Scan A PET-CT scan requires avoiding the identical meals as an FDG-PET scan within the 24 hours earlier than the scan in addition to consuming nothing however water for the six hours earlier than the scan.
If You Have Diabetes Individuals who have diabetes ought to seek the advice of their physician about tips on how to put together for a PET scan a minimum of two weeks earlier than the scan, as altering their weight loss program may additionally require altering their diabetes treatment routine. In case your blood sugar degree is above or under a sure degree on the morning of your scan, it could should be rescheduled.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976295092dce0-2b1c-4860-acb9-a45a17b85558
The Takeaway PET scans are diagnostic instruments that require particular dietary preparations, typically as much as 24 hours earlier than the scan. Earlier than an FDG-PET scan, you’re suggested to drink additional fluids, keep away from sugar and high-carbohydrate meals, and devour protein sources, like rooster and fish, in addition to low-carbohydrate greens. Individuals with diabetes ought to seek the advice of their physician a minimum of two weeks earlier than a PET scan, as dietary modifications could necessitate changes to their diabetes treatment.
