PET is a diagnostic imaging procedure used mainly to determine the presence and severity of cancers, neurological disease and cardiovascular disease. Radioactive isotopes are used to visualize specific body organs and tumors or nodules within these organs.

Patients are told to have nothing to eat or drink after midnight the day prior to the procedure. The PET technologist will draw a blood specimen checking the blood sugar level of the patient before administering a radioactive glucose.

The procedure usually takes about two hours from start to finish. Upon arrival, the patient will receive an injection and will be instructed to wait for an hour before the scan actually begins. The scanning time is approximately one hour. To learn more about PET procedures, click here.

Where: Come to the main campus and check in at Admissions in the front lobby

What to bring: Physician written order

How to prepare for the procedure: Follow all instructions given to you by your physician. For some procedures you will be required to have two separate appointment times. This will be explained to you should this be appropriate for your special procedure.