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 typically within three business days. 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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