Preparing for CT and PET/CT Scans

If you are scheduled to receive diagnostic imaging with Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers, please be sure to view the preparation for your specific scan. Please contact our scheduling staff at (720) 213-9488 if you have questions.

The imaging agent is specifically prepared for you for your scheduled time. We may need to reschedule your appointment if you are late.

Pre-Procedure Preparation for CT Scans

Follow these instructions for CT Scans with IV contrast:

  • Tell your doctor if you are allergic to iodine, pregnant, might be pregnant, or are nursing.
  • Arrive 30 minutes before you scheduled appointment time for processing of paperwork and time to drink the water prep you will be given upon arrival. If you don’t arrive on time your appointment may need to be rescheduled.
  • Do not eat four hours prior to exam.
  • Hydrate well the day before and day of your test.
  • Take any prescribed medications on the day of your test.
  • Wear clothes with little or no metal. Wear hearing aids, glasses, and dentures but leave valuables at home.
  • If you have a Power/Smart port and want it accessed for your scan, please bring your Power/Smart Port card or bracelet for verification.

Follow these instructions for CT Scans without IV contrast:

  • Arrive 30 minutes early for processing of paperwork and time to drink the water prep you will be given upon arrival. If you don’t arrive on time your appointment may need to be rescheduled.
  • Take any prescribed medications on the day of your test.
  • Wear clothes with little or no metal. Wear hearing aids, glasses, and dentures but leave valuables at home.

Pre-Procedure Preparation for PET/CT Scans

Follow these instructions for 18FDG-Fluorodeoxyglucose:

  • No food or drink except for plain water for 6 hours prior to your appointment.
  • No gum, candy, mints, cough drops, or cough syrup.
  • Recommend low carb, high protein diet 24 hours prior.
  • No insulin – 6 hours prior.
  • No oral diabetic meds – 4 hours prior.
  • For diabetic patients: Glucose must be under 200. Call your doctor before the day of the test if this is a problem.
  • All prescribed medications (with exception of diabetic medications) are fine unless they contain sugar.
  • Refrain from strenuous activities outside of your normal routine for 24 hours prior to your test.
  • Wear clothes with little or no metal and you will not need to change into a gown.
  • Schedule 10-14 days after chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Due to various circumstances, your doctor may schedule prior to the 10-day requirement.
  • Schedule at least 14 days after bone marrow stimulating injections (i.e. Zarxio and Neulasta). Due to various circumstances, your doctor may schedule prior to the 14-day requirement.
  • If you are pregnant or unsure of your pregnancy status, consult with your doctor prior to your test.

Pre-Procedure Preparation for Specialty PET/CT Scans

Follow these instructions for Ga68 DOTATATE:

  • Hydrate well the day before and day of your test.
  • Discontinue any short-acting somatostatin analog 24 hours prior to your appointment.
  • Due to various reasons, your doctor may not have you discontinue the medication.
  • Schedule at least 14 days after your last octreotide injection. Due to various circumstances, your doctor may schedule prior to the 14-day requirement.
  • Wear clothes with little or no metal and you will not need to change into a gown.
  • If you are pregnant or unsure of your pregnancy status, consult with your doctor prior to your test.

Follow these instructions for Cu64 DOTATATE:

  • Hydrate well the day before and day of your test.
  • Discontinue any short-acting somatostatin analog 24 hours prior to your appointment. Due to various reasons, your doctor may not have you discontinue the medication.
  • Schedule at least 14 days after your last octreotide injection. Due to various circumstances, your doctor may schedule prior to the 14-day requirement.
  • Wear clothes with little or no metal and you will not need to change into a gown.
  • If you are pregnant or unsure of your pregnancy status, consult with your doctor prior to your test.

Follow these instructions for 18NaF-Sodium Fluoride PET Bone:

  • Hydrate well the day before and the day of your test.
  • Take medications as normal.
  • If you are pregnant or unsure of your pregnancy status, consult with your doctor prior to your test.

Follow these instructions for Axumin® PET/CT:

  • Hydrate well the day before and the day of your test.
  • Take medications as normal.
  • Refrain from strenuous activities outside of your normal routine for 24 hours prior to your test.
  • Wear clothes with little or no metal and you will not need to change into a gown.

Follow these instructions for PSMA PET/CT:

  • Hydrate well the day before and the day of your test.
  • Take medications as normal.
  • Wear clothes with little or no metal and you will not need to change into a gown.