PET-MRI

What is a PET-MRI?

A PET-MRI is a single exam that combines two types of imaging:

• PET (Positron Emission Tomography): This test shows how the cells in your body process a small amount of a radioactive tracer that you drink, inhale or get injected.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This test uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of your organs and tissues. Learn More

By combining these two exams, a PET-MRI provides highly detailed pictures of your internal structures. Doctors use it to help diagnose diseases and plan treatments.

A Note About Tracers

We use the lowest possible dose of radioactive tracer needed to get high-quality images. The radiation risk is very low compared to the potential benefits of the exam.

How to Prepare for a PET-MRI

• Duration: Your PET-MRI appointment will last about 2 to 3 hours. The actual scanning time is about 40 to 90 minutes.
• When to Arrive: Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment. This gives us time to help you prepare and complete paperwork.
• Eating and Drinking: Do not eat or drink anything except plain water (no additives or flavors) for at least 6 hours before your exam. Avoid candies, gum, cough drops, cough syrups, or any drinks other than plain water.
• Medicines: If your doctor told you to take your regular medicines, take them with plenty of water. You can only drink plain water before the exam.
• Diabetes: If you have diabetes, follow these instructions to manage your blood sugar:
• Your blood sugar should be below 250 mg/dL on the day of your exam for a body scan and below 150 mg/dL for brain imaging.
• Do not eat or drink anything except plain water for at least 4 hours before your appointment, unless instructed otherwise.
• Keep taking your oral diabetes medicine as usual but talk to your doctor about when to stop any injectable insulin before your appointment.
• If You Use an Insulin Pump: Talk to your doctor before your appointment to find out when to stop using it. We recommend turning off the pump 4 hours before your scheduled time. If your blood glucose level is over 250 mg/dL, you can keep the pump on the night/basal setting until after the scan. After the scan, you can adjust the pump as needed.
• Contrast: You may get IV contrast during your PET-MRI exam if your doctor says it's necessary. We carefully assess any risks before giving you contrast and will give you more details at your appointment.
• Claustrophobia: If you are uncomfortable in small spaces, talk to your doctor about medicine to help you relax during the exam. We don’t have any in our department.
• Clothing: For safety reasons, you need to change into hospital attire.
• Pregnant or Breastfeeding: Please tell your doctor and the technologist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Children: Please do not bring children or pregnant people to your appointment.
• Valuables: We suggest leaving valuables at home. You can keep your personal items with you during the exam.
• Implantable Devices and Metal Objects: Please tell your doctor and the technologist if you have any implantable devices such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, cochlear implant, metal fragments, or body piercings. Metal objects can interfere with the MRI and may need to be removed or checked for safety.