What should you know about dye for pet scan?

The tracer is given through a vein and travels through the body. Cells that use more glucose may collect more FDG and appear more active on the PET images. Activity can reflect cancer, inflammation, infection, or normal body function, so a bright area is not a diagnosis by itself. CT images add anatomical detail and help the team interpret where an area is located.

Follow the imaging centre’s fasting instructions and tell the team about diabetes, medicines, pregnancy, breastfeeding, allergies, and difficulty lying still. Avoid strenuous exercise beforehand if instructed, because muscle activity can affect the images. After injection, rest quietly while the tracer distributes, then keep still during the scan. Follow the centre’s advice about drinking fluids and contact with young children or pregnant people afterwards.

Tell staff immediately if you develop rash, swelling, wheezing, dizziness, or pain at the injection site. Severe breathing difficulty, fainting, or swelling of the lips or throat requires emergency treatment. Most concerns are handled at the imaging centre, where trained staff can assess you.

Ask which tracer is planned, whether fasting or glucose instructions apply to you, when the report will be available, and how PET findings will be combined with examination, CT, MRI, or biopsy results.