Undergoing a PET/CT scan requires some preparation to ensure accurate results. Many patients already know they may need to fast, manage certain medications, or arrive on time for their appointment. However, many don't realize that clothing and other items are also important components of exam preparation.
Selecting appropriate clothing and removing certain accessories or objects before entering the examination room can help make the PET/CT scan more comfortable. Furthermore, these simple steps also help minimize interference with CT scan results, allowing the doctor to more optimally evaluate the patient's condition.
So, what clothing and objects are prohibited from being brought into the PET/CT scan room? Here's the explanation.
What Technology Does a PET/CT Scan Use and Why Is Patient Preparation Important?
PET/CT Scan is an imaging examination that combines two technologies at once, namely Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT Scan).
A PET scan uses a small dose of a radiopharmaceutical to monitor cellular metabolic activity within the body, while a CT scan utilizes X-rays to produce detailed anatomical images. The combination of these two technologies helps doctors more accurately detect various medical conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders.
Before the scan begins, the patient will receive an injection of a radiopharmaceutical and be asked to wait a short time for the substance to disperse into the body's tissues. During the scan, the patient will need to lie still to prevent blurring of the images due to movement.
In addition to remaining still, patients also need to pay attention to their clothing and belongings. Metallic objects, especially in the area being examined, can cause artifacts, which are shadows or distortions in CT scans. These artifacts can potentially make it difficult for doctors to interpret the imaging results.
Removing accessories and wearing appropriate clothing also makes the patient more comfortable during the examination, which generally lasts about 20–45 minutes, excluding the waiting time after the radiopharmaceutical injection.
Therefore, always follow all instructions from the doctor or nuclear medicine staff before entering the PET/CT Scan room.
What Clothing and Items Should Not Be Worn During a PET/CT Scan?
One of the questions most frequently asked by patients is regarding clothing and objects that are prohibited from being brought into the PET/CT Scan room. Basically, all objects containing metal should be removed whenever possible.
Clothing to avoid
Before coming for an examination, it is best to avoid wearing clothes such as:
- Clothes with metal zippers.
- Clothing that has metal buttons.
- Underwire bra .
- Jacket or hoodie with metal accessories.
- Belt with metal buckle.
- Shoes or sandals that have a lot of metal components (if asked to be removed by an officer).
Alternatively, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing without metal components to make the preparation process more practical.
Items that are generally requested to be removed
In addition to clothing, the following items usually need to be removed before entering the examination room:
- Necklace.
- Earring.
- Ring.
- Bracelet.
- Watch.
- Metal hair clips.
- Glasses (depending on the examination area or as instructed by the officer).
- Hearing aids.
- Removable dentures (if requested).
- Mobile phones, wallets, electronic cards and other electronic devices.
Each healthcare facility's policies may vary depending on the area of the body being examined. Therefore, always follow the staff's instructions during the preparation process.
What about implants or medical devices inside the body?
Unlike jewelry or accessories, medical implants are generally not removable so patients do not need to worry.
Some examples of medical implants include:
- Artificial joints.
- Heart stent.
- Dental implants.
- Bone pen.
- Bone screws.
- Other medical devices implanted in the body.
The most important thing is to inform the doctor or staff about your surgical history and use of medical equipment before the examination is carried out.
This information helps doctors understand the possibility of artifacts appearing in imaging results and determine the most appropriate interpretation according to the patient's condition.
Simple Tips to Make PET/CT Scan Preparation More Practical
To make the inspection process run more smoothly, you can make the following preparations:
- Wear loose clothing without metal accessories when leaving home.
- Avoid wearing too much jewelry so that you don't have to take them off one by one.
- Come on schedule or a little early for registration and preparation.
- Follow all doctor's instructions regarding fasting, physical activity, taking medication, and recommendations to drink water.
- Don't hesitate to ask the officer if you are still confused about clothes and objects that are prohibited from being brought into the PET/CT Scan room.
Good preparation can help the examination process run more efficiently while minimizing the possibility of the examination needing to be repeated due to interference with the image results.
When Should You Consult a Doctor or Nuclear Medicine Team?
Before undergoing a PET/CT Scan, you should consult first if you:
- Have medical implants.
- Have had surgery with the insertion of pins or screws.
- Using a pacemaker or other medical device inside the body.
- Not sure about the type of material the medical device is made of.
In addition, immediately inform the nuclear medicine team if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Suffering from diabetes.
- Are taking certain medications that may affect your exam preparation.
Patients who experience claustrophobia, difficulty lying flat, severe pain, or have limited mobility should also report these conditions early on so the medical team can adjust the examination procedure.
EMC Grha Kedoya Hospital provides PET/CT scan services, supported by experienced medical personnel and modern facilities to facilitate more accurate diagnosis of various medical conditions. If you have any questions about preparing for the exam, please consult your doctor or the EMC Hospital nuclear medicine team to ensure a safe and comfortable examination.
Nuclear Medicine Team of EMC Grha Kedoya Hospital:
For further information regarding our Quadra PET/CT Scan service, please call 0811 3050 4321 (Fahrizal) / 0813 1841 460 (Alam).