Last Updated on November 27, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir
A PET scan, or Positron Emission Tomography scan, is a detailed imaging test that shows how the body’s tissues and organs work. At Liv Hospital, we know how important PET scan preparation is for good results and a smooth process. Many patients ask, “Do you need a driver for a PET scan? There are several important steps patients need to take before a PET scan, including understanding whether post-scan assistance, like having a driver, is necessary.
Before a PET scan, it’s key to follow certain prep instructions for a PET scan. This includes not eating certain foods, avoiding some medicines, and other steps. For more information on preparing for a PET scan, talk to your doctor.
Key Takeaways
- Follow dietary restrictions before the scan.
- Avoid certain medications as advised by your healthcare provider.
- Minimize talking before the scan if you’re being tested for head or neck cancer.
- Avoid strenuous activities 24 hours before the scan.
- Bring a list of your medications to the scan.
Understanding PET Scans: Purpose and Importance
A PET scan is a high-tech test that helps doctors find and treat many health issues. It uses a special drug that lights up on the scan, showing how different parts of the body work. This helps doctors see how organs and tissues are doing.
What is a PET Scan?
A PET scan is a test that shows how the body’s cells are working. It uses a special drug that glows in the dark. This drug goes into the body and shows up in areas where cells are growing fast, like in cancer.
The PET scanner picks up the glow and makes pictures of the body’s inside. These pictures show how different parts of the body are working.
How PET Scans Differ from Other Imaging Tests
PET scans are different from CT and MRI scans. While CT and MRI show what the body looks like, PET scans show how it’s working. This makes PET scans great for finding cancer and checking if treatments are working.
Here’s a comparison of PET scans with other imaging tests:
| Imaging Test | Primary Use | Key Features |
| PET Scan | Metabolic activity, cancer detection | Uses radioactive tracer, shows metabolic processes |
| CT Scan | Anatomical details, injury assessment | Uses X-rays, provides detailed cross-sectional images |
| MRI Scan | Soft tissue evaluation, neurological disorders | Uses magnetic fields, offers high-resolution images of soft tissues |
Common Medical Conditions Requiring PET Scans
PET scans help with many health issues, including:
- Cancer: They help find cancer, see how it spreads, and check if treatments are working.
- Heart Disease: They check how blood flows to the heart, helping find heart problems.
- Brain Disorders: They help diagnose and keep track of brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Knowing about PET scans helps patients get ready for the test. It also shows how important the test is for their health care.
General Timeline for PET Scan Preparation
Knowing the timeline for PET scan prep is key to good results. Preparing for a PET scan means following the steps at specific times. This ensures the scan gives clear and useful images.
One Week Before Your Scan
Start making preparations a week before your PET scan. Consult with your doctor about your medications. They will tell you if you need to make any changes.
Also, review your diet and make the necessary adjustments.
48 Hours Before Your Scan
48 hours before, start avoiding foods and drinks that could mess up the scan. This means no sugary or carb-heavy foods. You might also need to cut back on exercise.
24 Hours Before Your Scan
Continue with the diet restrictions from 48 hours ago. Tell your doctor about any recent illnesses or infections. This could affect the scan results.
Some patients might need to follow a special diet or fasting plan.
The Morning of Your Scan
The morning of your scan, stick to the fasting instructions from your doctor. Usually, you’ll need to fast for 4 to 6 hours. Wear comfy, loose clothes and no metal jewelry.
Arrive at the scanning facility 15 minutes before your appointment. This is to fill out any paperwork needed.
By sticking to this timeline, your PET scan will go smoothly. And the results will be accurate and helpful for your care.
Dietary Restrictions and Fasting Requirements
To get accurate results from your PET scan, it’s key to know and follow dietary and fasting rules. Fasting for a PET scan is more than skipping meals. It’s about getting your body ready to show the clearest images for your diagnosis.
Why Fasting is Necessary for Accurate Results
Fasting before a PET scan is needed because it reduces the body’s glucose use. This helps the radiotracer work better. When you eat, your body uses glucose, which can mess with the radiotracer’s absorption. Fasting ensures the radiotracer spreads evenly, giving clearer images.
Standard 6-Hour Fasting Protocol
The usual fasting time for a PET scan is at least 6 hours before it. You should only drink water during this time. People with diabetes or other health issues might need different fasting rules. Always follow what your healthcare provider or the PET scan center tells you.
Foods and Beverages to Avoid
While fasting, avoid foods and drinks that could mess with your PET scan results. This includes:
- Sugary foods and drinks
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
Staying away from these helps make sure your body is ready for the scan. This ensures the most accurate results.
Can I Drink Water Before a PET Scan?
Yes, drinking water is okay and even encouraged before a PET scan. Staying hydrated is important, and water doesn’t usually affect the scan results. But always check with your healthcare provider or the PET scan center if you have any questions or worries about what to drink before your scan.
Physical Activity Guidelines Before Your Scan
Physical activity can change how your PET scan results come out. It’s key to know the right steps to take before your scan. This helps you prepare better and get accurate results.
Avoiding Strenuous Exercise
Strenuous exercise can mess with the PET scan’s accuracy. We advise against intense activities like running or weightlifting. These can change your heart rate and blood flow too much.
Here are some activities to skip:
- High-intensity workouts
- Aerobics classes
- Contact sports
- Long-distance cycling or running
Impact of Physical Activity on Scan Results
The PET scan uses a special tracer that shows where your body is active. Exercise can make blood flow and metabolism go up. This might change where the tracer goes, affecting the scan’s results.
Recommended Activity Levels
Even though you should avoid hard exercise, you don’t have to stop moving completely. Light to moderate activities are okay. They can make you feel better while you wait for your scan.
| Activity Level | Examples | Recommendation |
| Light | Short walks, light stretching | Generally acceptable |
| Moderate | Yoga, casual cycling | Discuss with your doctor |
| Strenuous | Running, weightlifting, and high-intensity workouts | Avoid |
Always listen to what your healthcare team says about exercise before your PET scan. If you’re unsure about what’s safe, talk to your doctor.
Medication Management for PET Scan Patients
It’s important to manage your medications before a PET scan. Some drugs can change how the scan works. Always follow your doctor’s advice on what medications to take.
Medications You Should Continue Taking
Most medicines are okay to keep taking before a PET scan. But tell your doctor about all your medicines. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter items, and supplements. This helps your team check for any risks or problems.
Medications That May Need Adjustment
Some medicines, like those for diabetes, might need to be changed or stopped before the scan. For example, some diabetes drugs or insulin might be adjusted. Your doctor will tell you what to do based on your situation and the scan type.
Diabetic patients need to be extra careful. Their medicines can affect the scan’s results. We’ll talk more about this later.
Discussing Medication Concerns With Your Doctor
Talking openly with your doctor about your medicines is key. They can give you personalized advice to make sure the scan is safe and works well.
Make sure to tell your doctor about:
- Prescription medicines you’re taking
- Over-the-counter drugs or supplements
- Any allergies or sensitivities to medicines
- Any bad reactions to medicines in the past
Special Considerations for Diabetic Patients
Diabetic patients need special care with their medicines before a PET scan. Your doctor might ask you to change your medicine schedule or amount. It’s important to do this exactly as they say to avoid problems.
If you’re diabetic and getting a PET scan for cancer, there are extra things to think about. Your oncology team will help you manage your medicines and get ready for the scan.
By managing your medicines well and following your doctor’s advice, you can help make sure your PET scan goes smoothly and gives accurate results.
Do You Need a Driver for a PET Scan? Transportation Considerations
Planning your ride for a PET scan is key. Most PET scans don’t need sedation. But some cases might need special plans.
Standard PET Scans and Driving
For most, driving to and from a PET scan is fine. The scan doesn’t make you too tired to drive. Just make sure to follow your doctor’s advice.
When Sedation is Required
Some patients get sedation to calm down during the scan. If you get sedated, get a ride home. Sedation can make driving risky.
Anxiety Medications and Their Impact on Driving
Some anxiety meds can slow you down or cloud your judgment. If you’re on these meds, talk to your doctor about getting to the scan. They can help figure out the best way for you.
Planning Your Transportation
Think about these ways to get to your PET scan:
| Transportation Option | Considerations |
| Driving Yourself | Generally safe for standard PET scans without sedation. |
| Public Transportation | It may be an option, but consider your comfort and mobility. |
| Ride-Sharing Services | Convenient, but ensure you can comfortably get in and out of the vehicle. |
| Family/Friends | A reliable option, especially if you’re getting sedation. |
Plan early and know what you need for transport. This way, you can focus on getting ready for your PET scan and having a good experience.
Personal Hygiene and Clothing Guidelines
Getting ready for your PET scan means thinking about your hygiene and what to wear. We know it can feel overwhelming, but knowing these tips can make things easier. It’s all about being prepared.
Can You Shower Before a PET Scan?
Yes, you can shower before your PET scan. It’s actually a good idea to keep clean. But don’t use lotions, creams, or deodorants. They might mess with the scan. Stick to plain water and skip the scented stuff.
Recommended Clothing for Your Appointment
Comfort is the main thing when picking out clothes for your PET scan. Choose loose, comfy clothes without metal. Stay away from clothes with metal to get clear images.
Jewelry, Metal Objects, and Electronic Devices
Don’t wear jewelry or bring metal or electronic items to your scan. They can mess up the images or block some areas. Leave any extra jewelry or metal at home.
| Item | Recommended Action |
| Jewelry | Remove and leave at home |
| Metal clothing parts | Wear clothing without metal |
| Electronic devices | Leave outside the scanning room |
Special Preparation Instructions for Cancer Patients
Getting ready for a PET scan as a cancer patient means taking certain steps. These steps help make the scan more effective. PET scans are key for cancer patients. They help see how far cancer has spread, check if treatment is working, and spot cancer coming back.
Why Cancer PET Scans Require Different Preparation
Cancer PET scans need special prep because of the disease and its treatment. Cancer cells use energy differently from normal cells. This means we need to follow special rules to get clear results.
Key Considerations for Cancer Patients:
- Adjusting medication and insulin regimens
- Following specific dietary restrictions
- Avoiding certain activities that may impact scan results
Additional Fasting Guidelines
Fasting rules for cancer patients getting PET scans can change. Usually, patients fast for 4-6 hours before the scan. But some cases might need longer fasting or special diets before the scan.
| Fasting Requirement | Duration | Notes |
| Standard Fasting | 4-6 hours | Avoid eating; water is usually allowed |
| Low-Carbohydrate Diet | 24-48 hours | Some protocols require reducing carbohydrate intake before the scan |
Medication Adjustments for Oncology Patients
Oncology patients might need to change their meds before a PET scan. It’s important to talk to your oncology team about your meds. They can tell you what to do to avoid messing up the scan results.
Following your doctor’s advice on meds is key. It helps make sure the PET scan gives you useful information
Communicating With Your Oncology Team
Talking well with your oncology team is important. Make sure to share any worries, meds, or special situations that might affect your scan.
By following these special prep steps, cancer patients can get accurate PET scan results. These results help doctors make better treatment plans.
What to Expect During the PET Scan Procedure
Knowing what happens during a PET scan can make you feel more at ease. We’ll walk you through everything from when you arrive to when the scan is done.
Arrival and Check-in Process
When you arrive, you’ll go to the reception desk. There, you’ll show your ID and any needed papers. Try to get there 15 minutes early to finish any last-minute tasks.
Radiotracer Injection
Next, you’ll go to a prep area for the radiotracer injection. A healthcare professional will give you a small amount of radioactive material. This helps show what’s going on in your body during the scan. You might feel a tiny pinch, but it’s quick and doesn’t hurt much.
Waiting Period Before Imaging
After the injection, you’ll wait for 30 to 60 minutes. This lets the tracer spread through your body. You’ll need to stay very quiet and calm during this time.
The Scanning Process
When it’s time, you’ll go to the scanning room. You’ll lie on a table that slides into the scanner. The scan is painless and takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on what’s being scanned.
Here’s a quick rundown of what happens during a PET scan:
| Procedure Step | Typical Duration | Description |
| Check-in and Preparation | 15-30 minutes | Completing paperwork and initial preparation |
| Radiotracer Injection | 5 minutes | Administration of the radiotracer |
| Waiting Period | 30-60 minutes | Allowing the radiotracer to distribute |
| Scanning | 30-60 minutes | The PET scan imaging process |
Knowing these steps can help you feel more ready for your PET scan. It makes the whole process smoother.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in PET Scan Preparation
To get the best results from a PET scan, knowing common mistakes is key. Proper preparation is essential for accurate results. We’ll cover common errors and how to steer clear of them.
Dietary Compliance Errors
Dietary rules are a big part of PET scan prep. Not following these can mess up your scan. Common mistakes include eating foods or drinks not allowed, like those with sugar or caffeine. These can change how the radiotracer works. Always stick to your healthcare team’s dietary advice.
Medication Mismanagement
Some meds can mess with PET scan results. Tell your doctor about all the meds you’re taking. Some might need to be changed or stopped before the scan. Your team will guide you on managing your meds for the scan.
Physical Activity Miscalculations
How much you exercise can affect your PET scan. It’s important to avoid hard workouts before the scan. This helps the radiotracer work right. Follow your healthcare team’s advice on exercise before the scan.
Forgetting Important Documentation
Forgetting important papers can cause delays. Make sure you have all the needed documents, like your doctor’s referral and insurance info. Check with your doctor about what you need to bring to avoid last-minute problems.
Post-Scan Care and Follow-up
The time after your PET scan is very important. Knowing how to take care of yourself is key to your health. Your healthcare team will give you specific instructions to follow.
Immediate After-Care Instructions
Drink lots of water after your PET scan. This helps get rid of the radiotracer. You can usually go back to your normal activities unless your doctor says not to.
Watch your body for any strange reactions or side effects. These are rare, but if you feel uncomfortable or have concerns, call your healthcare team.
Radiation Safety Considerations
The radiotracer in PET scans has a small amount of radiation. It’s safe, but we take steps to reduce exposure. Stay away from pregnant women and young children for a few hours after the scan.
When to Expect Results
How long it takes to get your PET scan results varies. Your doctor will tell you when to expect them. It could be a few hours or a few days.
It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about your results. They will discuss any treatment plans with you.
Follow-up Appointments
You might need to see your healthcare provider again after your PET scan. Follow-up appointments are important to review your results and plan your next steps. These appointments help decide what to do next.
Don’t miss these appointments. Ask any questions you have about your results or treatment options.
By following these steps and staying in touch with your healthcare team, you can have a smooth recovery. This ensures effective care after your PET scan.
Conclusion
Getting ready for a PET scan is very important. We’ve talked about the key steps to take before your scan. This includes knowing why you’re getting the scan and how to prepare your body.
It’s important to remember to follow your doctor’s advice closely. This means sticking to certain diets, not doing too much exercise, and managing your medicines as told. This helps make sure your PET scan goes well.
To prepare well for a PET scan, you need to make some changes. You should adjust your diet, manage your medicines, and understand what happens during the scan. By doing these things, you help your healthcare team get the best information from your scan.
Being well-prepared for a PET scan really matters. It makes a big difference in how you feel and the results you get. We want to help you understand how to get ready for your scan. This way, you’ll be ready for your appointment.
FAQ
What is a PET scan, and how does it work?
A PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan is a medical test. It uses a small amount of radioactive tracer to see how the body works. It helps find and track diseases like cancer, heart issues, and brain problems.
How should I prepare for a PET scan?
To get ready for a PET scan, listen to your healthcare team’s advice. This might mean eating certain foods, fasting, or managing your meds. Arrive 30 minutes early and wear comfy clothes without metal.
Can I eat or drink before a PET scan?
Usually, you need to fast for 4-6 hours before a PET scan. You can drink water, but skip sugary or caffeinated drinks. Your healthcare team will give you specific food rules.
Can I shower before a PET scan?
Yes, you can shower before a PET scan. But avoid using lotions or creams with metal or those that might mess with the scan.
What should I wear to a PET scan?
Wear loose, comfy clothes without metal, like zippers or jewelry. Take off any electronic devices, like watches or hearing aids, before the scan.
Do I need a driver for a PET scan?
If you get sedation or anxiety meds, get someone to drive you home. If not, you can drive yourself.
How long does a PET scan take?
The scan itself takes 30-60 minutes. But the whole visit might take 2-3 hours, including getting ready and waiting.
What are the common mistakes to avoid during PET scan preparation?
Don’t skip food rules or mess with your meds. Also, don’t forget important papers. Follow your healthcare team’s advice for the best results.
What are the post-scan care instructions after a PET scan?
Drink lots of water to get rid of the tracer. Follow any extra steps your healthcare team tells you. Also, go to any follow-up meetings to talk about your results.
How long does it take to receive PET scan results?
Results time varies by the place and scan type. Usually, you’ll get them in a few days to a week. Your team will tell you when to expect them.
Can I resume normal activities after a PET scan?
Yes, you can go back to normal after a PET scan. But listen to your healthcare team’s specific advice. Also, avoid being close to pregnant women, kids, or others who might be sensitive to radiation.
References
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). What is a PET Scan? https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/medical-imaging/nuclear-medicine-imaging-pet-scans
