Cardiac PET Scan Procedure

The purpose of preparation is to reduce myocardial intake of glucose and switch the metabolism of the heart to fatty acids.
The patient is advised to refrain from intense activity 24 hours before the test.
To increase the sensitivity of the test, the patient is instructed to have a high-fat and low-carbohydrate diet 24–48 hours before having a PET scan.
To improve myocardial fat metabolism, fasting may be an alternative to a high-fat meal.
Before the test, you should fast for four hours. To take your prescribed meds, sip some water.
For total of 24 hours, avoid consuming everything that contains caffeine, including Tea, energy/soft drinks, coffee, including decaffeinated and caffeine-free varieties, chocolate, cocoa, strawberries, etc.
On the day of the test, refrain from smoking and using nicotine gum.
Please bring a copy of all medications you use, including any drugs and dietary supplements.
If you take the prescribed medications and have any of the following medical conditions, please talk to your doctor.

You will then take a seat in a chair. An IV will then be inserted into your arm by a technician. A unique dye containing radioactive tracers will be put into your veins via this IV. You will have to wait for roughly an hour to give your body enough time to absorb the tracers.
A technician will place electrodes for an electrocardiogram (ECG) on your chest during this period so that your heart rate can also be observed.
After that, you will get the scan.
For the procedure, you must lie down on a table that is connected to the PET machine. The table will enter the device easily and slowly. During the scans, you must remain as still as possible while lying down. The technician will instruct you to stop moving at specific times. The best photos can be taken because of this.
You will be able to slide out of the machine once the relevant photographs have been saved on the computer. The test is then over and the technician takes the electrodes out.

Written By

Ms. Simran Kaushal

Technologist (Nuclear Medicine)

SOP Cardiac PET Scan Procedure