PET/CT Imaging – What to Expect

Precision Imaging. Compassionate Care.

At UAB St. Vincent’s PET Scan Center, we combine precision imaging with compassionate care to make your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Our expert team uses advanced technology to provide clear, accurate results, helping your doctors make the best decisions for your health. From the moment you walk in, we focus on answering your questions, supporting your needs, and ensuring you feel confident and cared for every step of the way.

Positron Emission Tomography and Computed Tomography

As the name suggests, this exam combines two imaging techniques: PET (Positron Emission Tomography), which shows how different functions in the body are working, and CT (Computed Tomography), which provides detailed structural anatomy. Together, PET/CT gives your physician both functional and anatomical information in a single scan for a more accurate diagnosis.

What is PET?

PET is a safe, non-invasive test used to diagnose and manage cancers such as lung, breast, colorectal, thyroid, prostate, lymphoma, and more. It’s also used in evaluating Alzheimer’s Disease.

Before Your Scan

Preparation begins the night before your exam. Key instructions include:

Follow the diet outlined on the Patient Instructions form.
No food, gum, caffeine, or hard candy for 5 hours prior to your scan
Drink plain water only on the day of the exam
Avoid strenuous activity for the night before and morning of the exam.
Take all medications prescribed by your physician. If any medication requires food, you may eat a small amount of protein only, such as cheese or peanut butter.

Diet Instructions

Instructions for Diabetic Patients

If you are insulin-dependent, please follow these guidelines before your PET/CT appointment:

Your blood sugar must be below 200 mg/dL at the time of your exam.
Take all your medications as prescribed.
If any medication requires food, you may eat a small amount of protein only, such as cheese or peanut butter.
Do not eat or drink (except water) for 5 hours before your appointment.
Take your insulin as usual, unless your doctor has instructed otherwise. If you have any questions about your medications or blood sugar levels prior to your appointment, please contact your healthcare provider.

Day of Your Appointment

Please arrive 15 minutes early. Wear loose, metal-free clothing and bring a photo ID and insurance cards.
Please allow 2 hours for the PET/CT imaging exam
Due to limited space in the waiting area, please bring limited number of family members.

During Your Scan

You’ll receive a small, painless injection of a tracer that circulates through your body. After resting for about 60 minutes, the scan takes 15–20 minutes while you lie on a cushioned table. The technologist will communicate with you throughout.

After Your Scan

Once the exam is complete, the patient may eat and resume normal activity. Fluid intake is encouraged to help flush the tracer. There are no special precautions that need to be observed.
Scans are read by UAB Radiologists or Vulcan Imaging within 24 hours. Your doctor will review the results with you. Results are sent to your referring physician within 24 hours and include a report from a board-certified radiologist. Results are released to patients only with physician authorization.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Insurance Coverage

Remember to bring a copy of your insurance card to your appointment! Our office staff will confirm your insurance information during your visit. Please note that co-pays and plan deductible must be paid at the time of your exam. Contact your insurance provider prior to your appointment if you have any questions regarding your plan requirements.