Preparing for 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 PET/CT 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 18FDG-Fluorodeoxyglucose

    Prior to your test, please carefully follow these instructions.

    • 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 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.

    Pre-procedure Preparation 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.

    Pre-procedure Preparation 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.

    Pre-Procedure Preparation 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.

    Pre-Procedure Preparation 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.