UDIAT Diagnostic Center

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Preparations Conventional Nuclear Medicine

Preparations for Conventional Nuclear Medicine testing

Informative guide PET / TC FDG

Guide for users who are going to perform a PET / TC FDG


What is a PET / CT?

This test involves the intravenous administration of a substance called a radiopharmaceutical, in this case 18F-FDG, which is a glucose molecule labeled with a radioactive isotope (fluorine). This radiopharmaceutical allows us to evaluate the body metabolism, which is altered in different disorders of the body. Once the radiopharmaceutical incorporation time has elapsed, the images will be acquired on a CT-like device.

What preparation do I need?

Our team will contact you to confirm when the test will take place and will tell you what preparation steps to take and if you need to make any changes to the medication you usually take.

Because a glucose-based radiopharmaceutical is administered, it is important to properly monitor your blood glucose levels before taking the test. If you are not diabetic in principle does not require special preparation.

On the other hand, you must be fasting 6 hours before the test, during which you can drink water. If you are diabetic or taking any medication, you should indicate this at the time of the telephone appointment, in case we need specific guidelines for insulin / oral antidiabetics or if we need to check if your usual medication is compatible with the test.

Exercise should be avoided during the previous 24 hours.

To take into account

In the case of women, it is important to rule out the possibility of pregnancy. If the patient is breastfeeding, the patient should be discontinued within 24 hours of examination.

How is the test performed?

On the day of the test and at the agreed time, we will take you to a single room to be changed, we will check your blood glucose levels and if they are correct you will be given the intravenous drug 18F-FDG. You will then have to stay in the room lying on a stretcher in silence and almost in the dark for an hour, to ensure that the administered radiopharmaceutical is properly distributed throughout the body. The administration of an oral contrast (to visualize the gastrointestinal tract) and / or intravenously may be necessary, taking into account that there is no medical contraindication or personal history of allergy to iodinated contrasts.

Once the rest period has elapsed, you will be taken to the PET / TC room to begin acquiring the images, which is approximately 30 minutes long. During the study it is very important to avoid the movement of the patient.

What should I do after the test?

Once the study is completed, your body will emit a small amount of radiation for a few hours, due to the radiopharmaceutical administered. Although radiation does not compromise the health of the patient or those around him, it is advisable to follow simple radiation protection rules to minimize exposure to ionizing radiation: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help eliminate it. radiopharmaceutical through the urine. He should make sure that he does not stain his urine and empty the tank a couple of times after use.

Avoid prolonged contact with children, young women and pregnant women for a few hours.

Test results

Once the PET / CT study has been performed, the images will be reviewed by a Nuclear Medicine and Radiology specialist. The result / report will then be sent to the doctor requesting the test (printed or electronic copy).

PET / CT preparations

Preparations for PET / CT testing

 

 

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