What can I eat before my FDG-PET/CT scan?

Because the scan uses a form of glucose as a tracer to take the images, high blood glucose will make the scan ineffective. Participants should fast and avoid sugary foods before their scans.
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Morning Scans 
Participants being imaged in the morning must have fasted for at least 10 hours the previous night. 
For example, if you have a 9am appointment, you must fast after 11PM the night prior to your scan. 

Afternoon Scans 
Participants being imaged in the afternoon must have fasted for at least 10 hours the previous night. However, participants may have a breakfast from the recommended menu and then must fast again for at least 4 hours prior to imaging appointment.  
For example, if you have a 1:30PM appointment, you can fast from 11PM to 9AM, have a low-carb breakfast from 9-9:30AM, and then fast again from 9:30AM to 1:30PM. 


Foods participants CANNOT eat:
  • ​Bread, pasta, rice, or cereal
  • Fruit or fruit juice
  • Starchy vegetables such as potatoes
  • Sweet vegetables such as carrots or corn
  • Candy, cookies, soda, or other sweets
  • Milk or yogurt
  • Alcohol
Foods participants CAN eat:
  • Meat, poultry, fish, or tofu
  • Eggs
  • Small amounts of cheese
  • Nuts or peanut butter
  • Leafy green vegetables
  • Unsweetened black coffee or tea
Examples of OK meals
  • Grilled chicken or steak with sauteed spinach
  • Eggs with ham or bacon
  • Celery and peanut butter