Diagnostic Imaging
Medical imaging procedures, such as computerized tomography (CT) scans and positron emission tomography (PET) scans, are used to identify and diagnose many different cancers and conditions. We continue to invest in next-generation technologies that provide precise views of internal organs, bones, soft tissues and blood vessels with immense clarity and detail. These scans and other imaging tests are performed and reviewed on-site.
Preparing for Your CT Scan
CT scans combine a series of X-ray views taken from many different angles and computer processing technology to create cross-sectional images of bones and soft tissues inside your body. A CT scan may require the use of contrast agents like iodine or barium. If you are allergic to any of these agents, please let the technologist know immediately.
NOTE: If you are wearing or scheduled to wear a Neulasta On-Body Injector please contact the scheduling department immediately at 502.361.8496 ext. 212.
Prior to your scan
- DO NOT EAT or DRINK anything four hours prior to your scan. Take all your prescribed medication as normal.
- Wear comfortable, warm clothing with no metal. No zippers, snaps or metal buttons. A sports bra is recommended for the ladies. No underwire bra, if possible.
- Remove all jewelry. No earrings, necklaces, watches, rings or piercings. The entire process will take approximately 30 minutes.
- If ORAL contrast was ordered, the scheduling coordinator will explain the times to drink your barium but use the chart below as a reminder.
| Area to be scanned | Amount of barium needed |
|---|---|
| Chest, brain or head and neck | No barium needed |
| Abdomen only | Drink 1 bottle 1 hour prior to appointment |
| Pelvis only | Drink 1st bottle 2 hours prior to appointment Drink 2nd bottle 1 hour prior to appointment |
| Abdomen and pelvis | Drink 1st bottle 2 hours prior to appointment Drink 2nd bottle 1 hour prior to appointment |
| Chest, abdomen and pelvis | Drink 1st bottle 2 hours prior to appointment Drink 2nd bottle 1 hour prior to appointment |
Preparing for Your PET/CT FDG Tumor/Brain Imaging
A PET/CT scan effectively looks at the metabolic activity of your cells. It can identify where cancer is, the extent of it and if it is responding to treatment.
24 hours prior to your scan
- Keep a low-carb, high-protein diet. Nothing sweet and nothing starchy. NO bread, NO pasta, NO rice, NO potatoes, NO fruits and NO sugar. Do not drink alcoholic beverages either.
- Eat proteins like meat, chicken, fish, etc. You can also eat vegetables, eggs, salads (use only oil and vinegar for dressing) and cheese.
- Drink plenty of water right up to your appointment time.
- Avoid excessive exercise the day before and the day of your scan.
6 hours prior to your scan
- Do not eat or drink anything but water.
- Do not consume gum, candy, cough drops or mints.
- Continue to take all medications as normal, except for insulin.
- Diabetic patients must stop the use of insulin six hours prior to the exam. All other diabetes medication should be taken as prescribed.
- Bring any prescribed anxiety medication to the exam and let the technologist know.
- Wear comfortable, warm clothing with no metal. No zippers, snaps or metal buttons.
- Remove all jewelry. No earrings, necklaces or piercings.
Special instructions
Please call the Radiology Department at 502.361.8496 ext. 242 and ask to speak with a technologist for any of the following scenarios:
- Patient weighs over 350 pounds.
- Patient is in a wheelchair or stretcher and cannot stand without support.
- Patient foresees being around pregnant women or small children during the 24-hour period after the scan.
- Patient is scheduled to wear a Glucose Monitoring Device Neulasta On-Body Injector at time of scan.
General information
- You will receive an injection of a sugar-based radiopharmaceutical, which is completely safe and has no side effects. It is not a contrast and does not contain iodine.
- It takes one hour for the radiopharmaceutical to be absorbed, so you will be relaxing in a quiet area during that time. You will then be asked to empty your bladder and the picture acquisition will begin immediately afterwards.
- It takes approximately 30 minutes for all the PET/CT pictures to be acquired. The entire process takes approximately two hours, so please plan accordingly.
- For diabetic patients, the glucose reading at the time of injection must be at 200mg/dl or below, to guarantee the accuracy of the PET scan.