FOR PATIENTS
Prepare for Your Visit
Patients undergoing radiologic testing at Weill Cornell Imaging often have questions or concerns. We understand that knowing as much as possible beforehand can help ease stress.
We invite you to read through these patient guides to prepare for your visit with us.
Positron Emission Tomography/
Computed Tomography (PET/CT)
How should I prepare for the procedure?
Wear something that is comfortable and easy to remove. For some of the scans you will be asked to change into a gown. Metal objects interfere with the image quality so avoid clothing with zippers or snaps. You may be asked not to eat or drink anything for 6 hours prior to the exam.
If you have been given a copy of the prescription for your examination, it is important that you bring it with you on the day of your appointment.
You should inform the technologist if there is any possibility that you are pregnant or if you are currently breastfeeding.
What can I expect on the day of my appointment?
When you arrive in our office, you will be asked to complete registration forms that will allow us to collect your medical history and any necessary insurance information. One of our technologists will escort you to the changing area. You may be asked to remove hairpins, jewelry, eyeglasses, hearing aids, and any removable dental work, depending on the part of the body that is being scanned.
You will be given an injection of a radiotracer, which is the medication that allows us to see different body structures and function. After the injection, you will be required to rest comfortably for approximately 1 hour in order to allow the radiotracer to be distributed throughout your body. You will then be brought to the PET/CT room and positioned on a table for imaging. The imaging will take approximately 45 minutes. During this period, both CT and PET images will be obtained which will later be fused together to provide further detailed information.
Following the PET study, you will be slightly radioactive for the next 24 hours. The radioactivity will be gone after 24 hours. Once you leave the imaging center, you may resume normal activities. If you have any questions, please ask the technologist at the time of the examination.
Our staff is available to address any questions or concerns that you might have before or after your appointment. Please call (212) 746-6000 if you wish to speak with us.
