Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) uses a small amount of radioactive material and a special camera to create images of the inside of your body. These images help your physician diagnose cancer, heart disease and gastrointestinal, endocrine and neurological disorders.

Preparing for Your PET/CT Scan

You will receive a reminder phone call with necessary prep instructions and directions to the department.

Please follow the nondiabetic or diabetic preparation instructions exactly as noted below. 

  • These instructions are for nondiabetic patients.

    • Do NOT eat or drink anything for 6 hours before the appointment.
      • Plain unflavored water is ok for hydration.
    • Avoid exercising for 24 hours before the appointment.
    • Please wear clothes with NO metal on them.
    • If claustrophobic, contact your primary care team for sedation medication.

    Please call the Nuclear Medicine PET/CT Department with any questions or concerns at 414-805-3771.

  • These instructions are for diabetic patients.

    • Do NOT eat or drink anything for 4 hours before the appointment.
      • Plain unflavored water is ok for hydration.
    • If taking metformin, do not take the morning of the appointment.
    • If taking insulin, do not administer a dose within 4 hours of the appointment
      • Continuous glucose pumps should be kept at the basal rate. Do not bolus within 4 hours of the appointment.
    • Your blood sugar must be within the range of 70 mg/dL – 210 mg/dL at the time of arrival in order to proceed with the exam. If your blood sugar is greater than 210 mg/dL contact your endocrine team or primary care for management
    • Avoid exercising for 24 hours before the appointment
    • Please wear clothes with NO metal on them
    • If claustrophobic contact your primary care team for sedation medication 

    Please call the Nuclear Medicine PET/CT Department with any questions or concerns at 414-805-3771.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

You will receive a small amount of radioactive material through a small injection in the vein of your arm and rest comfortably in an easy chair or on a gurney for 45 to 60 minutes. Then you lie still on an imaging table, and the PET/CT system takes the images. The entire imaging session may take 90 minutes to two hours to complete.

PET/CT Results

A board-certified nuclear medicine physician reviews your images and provides the results to your ordering provider. Please contact your provider for results. If you are enrolled in MyChart®, you can find your results there as well.

Accreditations and Certifications

All PET/CT equipment is accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

All technologists who perform PET/CT exams are nationally certified within 1 year of employment.

PET/CT Innovation

The Nuclear Medicine/PET Department stays abreast of the latest imaging protocols available. Our experienced staff also participates in the Nuclear Medicine Technology Program to teach the next generation of nuclear medicine/PET professionals.

Find a PET/CT Location Near You

More PET/CT Resources

The American College of Radiology and the Radiological Society of North America offer detailed information on PET/CT scanning, including a video. Learn more.

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