Hi,
Dad has been for a PET scan this morning... the booklet said he should avoid drinking tea or coffee for 6 hours before. On autopilot this morning he got up at 6am and had a cup of tea with sugar 🙈 he drank 2 litres of water before the scan
He didnt admit this to the lady as he was embarrassed... Will this effect the result?
Any advice appreciated
Thank you
Dear ALCLFC
The reason why they ask patients to avoid caffeine prior to the PET scan is because the dye they use for imaging goes through the circulation of the heart providing an image, it has been known that if caffeine is present this can put the heart rate up and may obscure the image or any lesions nearby. However, there is usually more caffeine in coffee than tea, plus he drank plenty of water.
It would do no harm to call the nuclear medicine/radiology department and let them know so they have it on record and for both you and your Dad's peace of mind.
Am sure this is not the first or last time this has happened.
Hope all goes well.
Kind regards
The Roy Castle Support Team
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