Preparation for PET/CT

HOW TO PREPARE FOR PET/CT WITH [¹⁸ F]-FDG?

24 hours before the study, it is necessary to:

• Minimize physical activity, give up sports, etc.
• Eliminate hypothermia.
• Exclude foods with a high carbohydrate content (potatoes, beets, carrots, tomatoes, corn, cereals, rice, pasta, bakery products, crackers, cookies, dried fruits, fruits, berries, juices, sauces, condiments, confectionery, artificial sweeteners).
• Products allowed for consumption: animal meat (chicken, beef, pork), fish, eggs, green vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, zucchini, green beans), cauliflower, mushrooms, cheese, cottage cheese (without sugar and fruit additives).
• Exclude the intake of alcoholic and sugary drinks, alcohol-containing medicines, milk, non-carbonated water, coffee and tea without sugar are allowed.
• Exclude the use of steroid medications.

On the day of the study, it is necessary to:

• refuse to take any food (including parenteral nutrition) 6 hours before the appointed time of the study (it is allowed to drink only non-carbonated unsweetened water);
• refuse to use chewing gum, lollipops;
• take at least 1 liter of non-carbonated unsweetened water, slippers and a bag for outdoor shoes;
• come to the department in comfortable, warm clothes, if possible, without metal elements (jeans, bra, belt, suspenders, etc.), without jewelry (earrings, piercings, chains, bracelets, watches, etc.).

Recommendations for conducting a study in patients with diabetes mellitus:

• taking the next dose of insulin – no later than 5 hours before the introduction of ¹⁸ F-FDG;
• 24 hours before the administration of ¹⁸ F-FDG, to exclude the intake of oral hypoglycemic drugs from the groups of sulfonylureas and glinides, it is advisable to cancel the intake of biguanides (it is necessary to consult an endocrinologist for a temporary replacement of hypoglycemic drugs).

Recommendations for conducting a study in breast-feeding patients:

• direct contact with the child should be avoided for 12 hours after the introduction of ¹⁸ F-FDG;
• if possible, carry out feeding or pumping of breast milk as close as possible to the time of administration of ¹⁸ F-FDG.

PET / CT is performed with intravenous administration of an iodine-containing radiopaque preparation in the absence of contraindications. It is necessary to provide the results of serum creatinine analysis (no more than 1 month old).

In the presence of allergic reactions in the anamnesis (including the introduction of radiopaque drugs), the expected pregnancy, as well as the established fact of pregnancy, it is necessary to notify the medical staff of the department before the introduction of the radiopharmaceutical. 

The planned study can be canceled no later than 24 hours before it is conducted!