Hi there, I'm Dr. Emily Carter, a board-certified radiologist with over 10 years of experience. I specialize in nuclear medicine, including the performance and interpretation of PET scans. It's a pleasure to answer your question today about what to avoid eating before a PET scan.

A Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan is a powerful imaging technique that uses a small amount of a radioactive substance, called a tracer, to visualize and measure metabolic activity within the body. This helps us diagnose a range of conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders.

The success of your PET scan relies heavily on proper preparation, including adhering to dietary restrictions. Here's a comprehensive guide on what not to eat the day before your PET scan:

**Foods and Drinks to Avoid 24 Hours Before Your PET Scan**

* High-Carbohydrate Foods: Carbohydrates significantly impact the tracer uptake and can potentially lead to inaccurate results. Avoid:
* Sugary Drinks: Sodas, fruit juices, sweetened teas, sports drinks
* Refined Grains: White bread, pastries, cakes, cookies, crackers
* Starchy Vegetables: Potatoes, corn, peas
* High-Sugar Fruits: Bananas, mangoes, grapes

* High-Fiber Foods: While fiber is an important part of a healthy diet, it can interfere with the absorption of the tracer. Limit:
* Whole Grains: Brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat bread
* Legumes: Beans, lentils, chickpeas
* Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage

* High-Fat Foods: High-fat foods can delay stomach emptying, potentially affecting the tracer's distribution. Avoid:
* Fried Foods: French fries, fried chicken, doughnuts
* Fatty Meats: Bacon, sausage, salami
* Full-Fat Dairy: Whole milk, cheese, butter

* Alcohol: Alcohol can alter your body's metabolism and interfere with the tracer.

What You CAN Eat and Drink

It's crucial to stay hydrated and maintain your energy levels before your PET scan. Choose:

* Water: Aim for 8 glasses of water in the 24 hours prior to your scan.
* Clear Broth: Provides hydration and electrolytes.
* Plain Coffee or Tea: Unsweetened only.
* Lean Protein: Grilled chicken or fish, egg whites.
* Non-Starchy Vegetables: Green beans, asparagus, spinach.

Important Considerations

* Medications: Consult your doctor about any medications you take, as some may need to be adjusted prior to the scan.
* Fasting: Your doctor will provide specific instructions regarding fasting. Typically, a 6-hour fast is required before the scan.
* Individualized Instructions: Always follow the specific instructions provided by your doctor or the imaging center. These guidelines may vary slightly depending on the type of PET scan you are having and your individual health status.

Remember, following these dietary guidelines will help ensure that you are well-prepared for your PET scan, leading to the most accurate and informative results.

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Foods that can be eaten include: meat, hard cheese, tofu, eggs, butter and vegetables with no starch. Some foods that are NOT allowed include: cereal, pasta, milk, breads and other sugars. If you are scheduled in the late afternoon and can eat breakfast before the scan, it must be a low carbohydrate diet as well.read more >>