Your doctor has ordered a FDG-PET scan. Those abbreviations stand for: fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET). The role of this procedure is to detect metabolically active malignant lesions including lung cancer, colorectal cancer, lymphoma, melanoma, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, brain cancer and multiple myeloma. FDG-PET scan may also be used to stage and monitor the response to therapy of malignant disease. Our team of specialized doctors, nurses and technologists is led by Alan Waxman, MD, Chief of Nuclear Medicine.
You must fast six hours prior to your appointment time except plain water.
In addition, you should avoid, if possible, any carbohydrates from your diet (e.g., bread, pasta, potatoes and rice) 24 hours prior to your appointment time. Carbohydrates (sugars) taken before your test will reduce the effectiveness of the test.
We want to make your waiting time as pleasant as possible. Consider bringing your favorite magazine, book or music player to help you pass the time.
Please leave your jewelry and valuables at home.
Upon arrival, the technologist will explain your procedure and answer any questions you may have.
You will receive an intravenous injection (in your vein) of a tracer dose of radioactive material.
The level of radioactivity is extremely low and has no side effects.
You will be asked to wait approximately 1-2 hours before the scan begins.
Your scan will take approximately one hour.
During that time you will be required to lie flat on your back, without moving.
Using a special nuclear medicine scanner, pictures of your body will be obtained. The scanner does not produce any radiation; it simply detects and records the distribution of the radioactive material in your body.
There are no post-exam instructions.
Your study will be reviewed by an imaging physician specialist and the results sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
To request a copy of your report, call (310) 423-8000.
