Guide To Positron Emission Tomography Scans (PET Scans)

Recovering From The Scan

After a positron emission tomography scan, patients can often resume their normal activities. This only changes if the patient's doctor gives them alternative instructions. Despite being able to resume normal activities, there are still some instructions to help patients recover from a positron emission tomography scan. The radioactive tracer used for the scan will stay in the patient's body for an extended period afterward. Patients need to drink a significant amount of fluids to help flush the tracer from their system. In most cases, they can do so in a couple of days, perhaps less. Besides this, most patients do not have additional instructions for recovery. They will often receive their results in a few days at a follow-up appointment with their doctor.