PET scan involves getting images of different parts of the body to look for diseases. Many factors can affect the accuracy of the results, so it is important for patients to be prepared accordingly. Doctors would normally ask you to watch what you eat or drink at least 24 hours before the scan. Here are some basic tips to help you.
Drink Plenty of Water
Solid food intake should be limited but you are permitted to drink as much water as you want. In fact, the more you can consume before your arrival to the facility, the better. However, the ideal amount of water to drink the day before a PET scan would be 6-8 glasses. Remember as well to just drink plain water, not flavored drinks, especially 4-6 hours before the test.
Stay Away from Caffeine and Sugar
Sugar-rich and caffeinated foods and drinks should also be avoided or limited the day before. You can consume caffeine so long as you regulate the amount you take. Really, it’s best to just stick with water. As for sugar, you should avoid it at all cost since the “tracer” or the liquid radioactive material injected for the test is simple sugar (like glucose). Having too much sugar in the body can alter a patient’s sugar metabolism and result in inaccurate readings.
When to Avoid Food
A full day before your appointment for the scan, the doctor will most likely recommend following a Limited Carbohydrate diet. That means you can’t eat a selection of foods such as pasta, breads, milk, pasta, cereal, and of course, sugars. Some of the foods you can eat include eggs, meat, tofu, hard cheese, vegetables with no starch and butter. You will also be advised not to eat or drink anything 4-6 hours before the scan.
If you have existing medical conditions like diabetes, your doctor may give you a different set of preparation tips. Be sure to tell them about anything that you think could affect your scan beforehand.
Sources:
Patient Preparation, PETNET Solutions
Prepare for a PET/CT scan, USFC Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging
No comments:
Post a Comment