PET Scan Instructions
A PET scan has been ordered by your physician to help with your plan of care. PET scans require careful preparation, so please follow these instructions closely:
Appointment Confirmation
The medication dose for your PET scan will not be ordered unless you confirm your appointment the day before. Someone will call you to confirm. If you have not been contacted by 2:00 PM the day before, please call 870.207.8253.
Post-Scan Precaution
After your test, you will be considered “radioactive” due to the injection you receive. To protect others, go directly home and avoid contact for 6 hours with anyone under age 18 or who is pregnant or may be pregnant.
Medications
Take your usual medications except diabetic medications, cough drops, or gum.
If you are diabetic, do not take diabetic medications for 12 hours before your scan. Your appointment will be scheduled for the morning.
Diet Instructions
Start a strict low-carb, no-sugar diet at 6:00 PM the night before your scan (details below).
After midnight, you may only have black coffee, unsweetened tea, or water—no sugar, artificial sweeteners, or creamers until after your scan.
Day of the Scan
- Your appointment will take about 2 hours total (scan time: approx. 30 minutes).
- Results will be provided by your physician at your follow-up appointment.
- Please bring:
- Insurance cards
- Photo ID
- A driver if you are taking any impairing medications
Directions to the Facility
Address:
225 East Washington Avenue
Jonesboro, AR 72401
Located on the ground floor of the St. Bernards Cancer Center.
Parking:
You may park in the main lot or the parking garage located on Carson Street, beside the Cancer Center.
Use the green (ground) level, and you may park in a reserved space.
Enter through the North Entrance. There is no fee for parking.
Check in at the front desk upon arrival.
Approved Foods Before Scan (Start at 6 PM the Night Before)
You may eat:
- All meats (grilled, baked, or broiled)
- Green vegetables (e.g., broccoli, spinach, green beans) — no breading or seasoning except salt/pepper
- Unsweetened tea, black coffee, or water
You must avoid:
- Cereals
- Pasta
- Dry beans
- Breads
- Rice
- Starchy vegetables (e.g., corn, peas, potatoes)
- Fruit and fruit juices
- Milk (including non-dairy alternatives)
- Gravy, breading, salad dressings
- Jams and jellies
- Sugar, candy, honey
- Gum and cough drops
- Soft drinks
- Alcohol
If you have questions about the diet or your PET scan, call 870.207.8253.
After Care Instructions
- Drink plenty of fluids for a few hours after the scan to flush your kidneys and bladder.
- Double flush the toilet for the first 6 hours.
- If you are in a nursing home or incontinent, caregivers should wear two sets of gloves.
- Avoid contact for 6 hours with anyone who is pregnant or under 18 years old.
