PREPARING MY PATIENT FOR GA-68 PSMA/GA-68 DOTA PET/CT STUDY

DO:

  • Ga-68 DOTA: Stop long-acting somatostatin such as Sandostatin/Lantreotide for 4 weeks prior to the PET/CT scan/book the scan just before the next dose or stop short-acting somatostatin such as octreotide for at least 24 hours prior.
  • The patient may have a meal before you come for the study, there is no need to fast.
  • Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes, preferably without metal/zips. You may be asked to change into a gown for the investigation.
  • Drink lots of fluids (before and after the study).
  • Continue using normal medication as prescribed by your doctor. 
  • It is always a good idea to bring a list of the medication you are taking when going to a doctor’s appointment/investigation.
  • Inform us on arrival if you know you suffer from claustrophobia.
  • Bring medication along that you may need for the investigation e.g. pain-relief/anti-anxiety medication. If you think you may need a sedative/anti-anxiety medication for the investigation, please make sure you have someone that can drive you home after the investigation.
  • Inform the radiographer if you are pregnant (or think you may be), breastfeeding or have any allergies.

 

PREPARING MY PATIENT FOR F-18 FDOPA PET/CT STUDY

DO:

  • Please fast for at least 4-hours prior to this study, preferably not eating or drinking anything other than plain unflavoured water from midnight the previous evening. 
  • Diabetic patients, please ensure that their blood sugar level is not too low, too high is not a contra-indication to this study.
  • Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes, preferably without metal/zips. You may be asked to change into a gown for the investigation.
  • Continue using your normal medication as prescribed by your doctor (if it can be tolerated on an empty stomach).
  • It is always a good idea to bring a list of the medication you are taking when going to a doctor’s appointment/investigation.
  • Inform us on arrival if you know you suffer from claustrophobia.
  • Bring medication along that you may need for the investigation e.g. pain-relief/anti-anxiety medication. If you think you may need a sedative/anti-anxiety medication for the investigation, please make sure you have someone that can drive you home after the investigation.
  • Inform the radiographer if you are pregnant (or think you may be), breastfeeding or have any allergies.
  • Movement disorders: Certain medications need to be withheld for a duration of time, these are only neurological/psychiatric medications and include:
  • Talcopone (Tasmar®) at least 15 hours, Entacapone (Comtan®Stalevo®) at least 15 hours and Reserpine (Reserpine®Rinerdin®) 20 days.