Suggestions for diet preparation prior to PET/CT

[Lyubov]

I've been scheduled for a PET/CT on Sept 9. The info I received about diet before the scan indicates I must be on a no sugar + no carb or dairy 24 hrs prior. Then no food or even coffee 6 hrs before scan.

My scan is scheduled for 10:00 am. On the day before it, would it be risky to have my usual 7:30 breakfast of yogurt, protein mix, blueberries & banana? Or would it be best to basically start eliminating all dairy & fruit, etc., even before the "24-hrs before" begins?

This is garbled I know, but I hope the gist is evident & welcome any advice / suggestions.

Lyubov

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

I would go ahead and enjoy your usual breakfast. They’ve done extensive studies establishing that the 24 hours is optimal. Just be finished by 10 am. I’m sure you’ll be fine.

[Motherdi]

I had a PET and I wasn't told to do all that. Just no food or drink before.

[ElmerFudd314]

Don't be crazy. The outcome for patients who don't follow instructions is usually not good. I've had 5 or 6 pet scans by the very competent Veterans Administration hospital in Minneapolis. I can tell you their instructions from memory: No exercise or remotely strenuous activity for 24 hours prior. No chewing gum or throat lozenges also. No food or drink 4 hours prior to the pet scan except plain water. I don't know anything about the specifics of diet advice. Just try following the doctors instructions. Don't rely on folklore or things you hear on the web. The cancer interacts with glucose in your body and shows up in the pet scan. Therefore it's totally stupid to eat prior to the test. You will be given a special high glucose drink at the doctors an hour prior to the test. They also don't want you to become agitated and you will be in a very boring room with no tv prior to the test. The test lasts about 15 minutes. I hope this helps. Good luck !

[Lyubov in reply to ElmerFudd314]

Thanks for underscoring the need to adhere strictly to the pre-PET/CT diet instructions. Indeed, I do understand why they are critical. What I intended to ask was did I need to apply them to my usual breakfast at 7:30 -8:00 a.m. given that the pre-test 24-hour period only begins at 10:00 a.m. (Test is at 10:00 am the next day.) Thanks again for your input.

[ElmerFudd314 in reply to Lyubov]

So the 4 hour fast would only apply to the day of your test

[Lyubov in reply to ElmerFudd314]

I wasn't clear. I'm referring to my breakfast the day prior to the test before the 24-hour period of the no sugar, dairy, carb diet requirement begins. I suppose I could start with eliminating sugar, etc., even 48 hours beforehand to be super scrupulous in preparing for the scan!

[Jenniferroseolson]

I always count on Denzie. If instructions says 24 hours, then go with that. Add an hour or two, but don’t stress by trying for multiple days of fasting

[Lyubov in reply to Jenniferroseolson]

Thanks for your encouragement. It makes sense!