Tag: Fdg

According to MD Anderson Cancer Center, eating or drinking anything with calories other than water in the six hours before a PET scan can affect the results and may require a repeat scan. The preparation is critical because the scan uses a radioactive sugar tracer, called FDG, to detect metabolic activity in tissues and organs.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans use a radioactive tracer made from a glucose analog, and studies show that elevated blood glucose levels can significantly reduce image quality. For this reason, medical professionals advise against eating sweet potatoes and other high-carbohydrate foods before a PET scan.

According to imaging specialists, failing to maintain a low blood sugar level can result in a poor-quality PET scan and a need for rescheduling. A specific limited carbohydrate diet for a PET scan is a critical preparatory step designed to ensure optimal image clarity and diagnostic accuracy.

According to guidelines from various medical centers, following a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet is crucial in the 12-24 hours leading up to a PET scan to ensure accurate results. This carefully managed nutritional intake helps stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing false readings during the procedure. Knowing what is a high protein meal before a PET scan is key to a successful test.