Preparing for CT and PET/CT Scans

If you are scheduled to receive diagnostic imaging with Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers, please be sure to view the preparation for your specific scan. Please contact our scheduling staff at (720) 213-9488 if you have questions.

The imaging agent is specifically prepared for you for your scheduled time. We may need to reschedule your appointment if you are late.

Pre-Procedure Preparation for CT Scans

Preparing for a CT Scan:

  • Tell your doctor if you are allergic to iodine, pregnant, might be pregnant, or are nursing.
  • Please arrive 30 minutes early for the processing of any necessary paperwork and time to drink the water prep you will be given upon arrival. If you do not arrive on time, your appointment may need to be rescheduled.
  • Wear comfortable clothing with as little metal as possible and remove all piercings and jewelry from the area being scanned.
  • Take any prescribed medications on the day of your test unless instructed not to do so.
  • Wear your hearing aids, glasses, and dentures, but leave your valuables at home.
  • Abdomen and pelvic studies require water. Drink plenty of water before and after your exam.
  • Do not eat or drink anything other than plain water two hours prior to your exam, unless you are receiving a head, neck, or chest scan with no IV contrast.

Pre-Procedure Preparation for PET/CT Scans

Follow these instructions for FDG PET scans:

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, might be pregnant, or are nursing.
  • Tell your doctor if you are a diabetic. Please make sure that your blood sugar is less than 200 mg/dL on the day of your scan. Do not take insulin six hours prior to your scan or oral diabetic medication four hours prior to your scan. Run insulin pumps at a basal rate for six hours prior to your appointment time.
  • Please arrive 30 minutes before your appointment time. If you do not arrive on time, your appointment may need to be rescheduled.
  • Wear clothing with as little metal as possible and remove all piercings and jewelry from the area being scanned.
  • Do not engage in strenuous activity 24 hours prior to your exam.
  • Take prescribed medications on the day of your test unless instructed not to do so. Avoid taking vitamins, steroids, cough drops, or cough medicine.
  • Drink as much water as you are comfortable drinking prior to your exam. 
  • Do not eat or drink anything other than plain water six hours prior to your exam. This includes gum, mints, and candies.

Pre-Procedure Preparation for Specialty PET/CT Scans

Follow these instructions for Ga68 DOTATATE scans:

  • Hydrate well the day before and day of your test.
  • Discontinue any short-acting somatostatin analog 24 hours prior to your appointment. Due to various reasons, your doctor may not have you discontinue the medication.
  • Schedule your scan at least 14 days after your last octreotide injection. Due to various circumstances, your doctor may schedule it prior to the 14-day requirement.
  • Wear clothes with little or no metal and you will not need to change into a gown.
  • If you are pregnant or unsure of your pregnancy status, consult with your doctor prior to your test.

Follow these instructions for Cu64 DOTATATE scans:

  • Hydrate well the day before and day of your test.
  • Discontinue any short-acting somatostatin analog 24 hours prior to your appointment. Due to various reasons, your doctor may not have you discontinue the medication.
  • Schedule your scan at least 14 days after your last octreotide injection. Due to various circumstances, your doctor may schedule it prior to the 14-day requirement.
  • Wear clothes with little or no metal and you will not need to change into a gown.
  • If you are pregnant or unsure of your pregnancy status, consult with your doctor prior to your test.

Follow these instructions for 18NaF-Sodium Fluoride PET bone scans:

  • Hydrate well the day before and the day of your test.
  • Take medications as normal.
  • If you are pregnant or unsure of your pregnancy status, consult with your doctor prior to your test.

Follow these instructions for Axumin® PET/CT scans:

  • Hydrate well the day before and the day of your test.
  • Take medications as normal.
  • Refrain from strenuous activities outside of your normal routine for 24 hours prior to your test.
  • Wear clothes with little or no metal and you will not need to change into a gown.

Follow these instructions for PSMA PET/CT scans:

  • Hydrate well the day before and the day of your test.
  • Take medications as normal.
  • Wear clothes with little or no metal and you will not need to change into a gown.