At NYOH, we want you to feel informed, comfortable, and confident before your imaging exam. Below you’ll find preparation instructions, safety information, and answers to frequently asked questions.
No food or drinks except plain water on the day of your scan. Staying hydrated is important.
Diabetic patients: Hold all diabetic medications, including insulin pumps on basal setting, for 6 hours before your scan. Avoid sugar-containing supplements or candies (e.g., THC/CBD gummies).
Non-diabetic patients: Take all regular medications as prescribed. Avoid anything with sugar.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting, metal-free clothing (yoga pants, sweatpants, t-shirts, non-underwire bras).
Leave valuables at home. Metal items such as jewelry, watches, belts, coins, or hair accessories must be removed.
Removable dentures with metal and hearing aids will be placed in a tray unless you have a personal container.
Need to cancel? Call (518) 269-3074 by 3:00 p.m. the day before your scan. Your injection is specifically prepared for you and must be discarded if unused, which may result in additional charges.
A PET/CT scan combines two advanced imaging technologies to provide detailed information about your body:
PET (Positron Emission Tomography): Shows how your organs and tissues are functioning at the cellular level.
CT (Computed Tomography): Uses X-rays to create detailed images of the structure and anatomy of your organs and tissues.
Together, PET and CT help physicians detect cancer earlier, accurately stage disease, and guide treatment planning.
1. Blood Sample Taken: A technologist may take a small blood sample to check your blood sugar (glucose) level.
Important: Glucose levels over 200 may require rescheduling. If you have diabetes, notify the imaging staff when scheduling your appointment and follow special diabetes instructions provided by NYOH.
2. Injection of Tracer: A small, safe amount of radioactive glucose (FDG) is injected into your bloodstream. You will also be asked to drink about 16 ounces of water.
Rest Period: After the injection, you will rest quietly for about an hour to allow the tracer to circulate. You will then be escorted to the restroom to empty your bladder.
Scanning: You will lie on the PET/CT table while the scanner slowly moves around you, detecting the radioactive tracer.
Image Review: A board-certified radiologist will carefully review the images and provide a detailed report to your physician, usually within one business day.
Total appointment time: Approximately 2 hours
Actual scan time: Typically 8–24 minutes, depending on the type of exam
A family member or friend may wait in the waiting room during your injection and scan.
The injection used in a PET/CT scan is safe and does not cause side effects.
However, you should avoid close contact with children and pregnant women for 24 hours after the scan.
You will receive documentation from the technologist explaining safety precautions to follow for 24 hours post-scan.
You must fast for 4 hours before your appointment. If your CT scan includes the abdomen and/or pelvis, drink a 16-ounce glass of plain water one hour prior to your appointment and empty your bladder as needed. Bring an additional 16 ounces of water to your appointment; the technologist will guide you on when to drink it.
If your CT scan doesn't involve the abdomen and/or pelvis, fasting for 4 hours before the exam is the only preparation needed.
If you have a power-injectable port for CT, bring your card; otherwise, it can't be used.
If you require assistance for transfer, make sure you have someone with you; otherwise, we may need to reschedule your appointment.
Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment and ensure you follow the preparation instructions. For questions about your appointment, please call our office during regular business hours at 518-269-3074.
Contact your healthcare provider if you notice any of the following at the IV site:
Call your healthcare provider if you experience:
Call 911 right away if you have:
These symptoms may indicate a serious allergic reaction and require immediate medical attention.
©2026 New York Oncology Hematology. All rights reserved.
