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National PET Scan Dade LLC› Patient Guidelines› What To Expect After Exam

What To Expect After Your Exam

Most patients resume normal activities right away. Here's what to expect after a PET-CT or CT scan at our facility.

After Your Appointment

Post-Exam Instructions

Understanding what happens after your scan helps you feel confident and prepared. Instructions vary slightly between PET-CT and CT exams.

After a PET-CT Scan

Positron Emission Tomography + CT Fusion
  • Resume normal activities immediately. The exam has no lingering physical effects for most patients.
  • The radioactive tracer naturally decays over approximately 4 hours. Drinking extra water is not necessary — your body will naturally eliminate the tracer regardless of hydration.
  • The radiotracer is safe and naturally leaves your body within a few hours. The dose used is very low.
  • Avoid prolonged close contact with pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children for approximately 6 hours after your exam, as a precaution.
  • You may eat and drink normally as soon as the exam is complete.
  • Results are typically ready within 48 hours and will be sent directly to your referring physician.

If you are a nursing mother, you may want to pump and discard breast milk for 12–24 hours after a PET scan. Please discuss this with your physician.

After a CT Scan

Computed Tomography
  • Resume normal activities immediately. There is no recovery time needed after a CT scan.
  • If contrast was used, drink plenty of water throughout the day to help your kidneys clear the contrast material.
  • Warm sensation during the scan (if IV contrast was used) is completely normal and passes within seconds.
  • Metformin users: Do not resume Metformin until 48 hours after a contrast CT and only after your doctor confirms your kidney function is normal.
  • Watch for allergic reactions to contrast (rash, itching, difficulty breathing). If symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately.
  • Results are typically ready within 48 hours and will be forwarded to your referring physician.

Mild reactions to contrast (nausea, flushing, warmth) are common and harmless. Severe reactions are rare. Our staff monitors you after contrast is administered.

Your Results Timeline

1

Exam Completed

Your scan is finished. You are free to leave our facility and resume your normal day immediately.

2

Images Reviewed by Radiologist

A board-certified radiologist reviews and interprets your images, typically within 24 hours.

3

Report Sent to Your Physician

Your written radiology report is sent directly to your referring physician — usually within 48 hours of your exam.

4

Patient Portal Access

Existing patients can access their imaging results and reports securely via the Patient Login portal.

Questions after your exam?

Our team is available to answer any concerns you may have after your scan. Don't hesitate to reach out.

(305) 455-3000 Patient Login