FAQ & Exam Prep

Know what to expect before your scan.

A general preparation guide for PET, bone scan, CT, and MRI appointments. If your doctor or our staff gave you specific instructions, please follow those first.

Exam Preparation

Prep guides by modality

Tap any card to expand. These cover the most common questions — call us if anything's unclear.

F-18 FDG PET/CT Prep

Whole-body metabolic imaging for cancer evaluation.

Before your visit

  • Follow any fasting instructions given when scheduling — typically no food for 4–6 hours before the scan.
  • Avoid sugary drinks, gum, and mints; drink water unless told to restrict fluids.
  • Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours before the scan.
  • Tell us if you're diabetic, pregnant, breastfeeding, or starting new medication.

Bring with you

  • Photo ID, insurance card, and imaging order.
  • Prior imaging reports or discs if available.
  • Your completed PET/CT questionnaire.

PSMA PET/CT Prep

Prostate-specific imaging for detection, staging, and recurrence.

Before your visit

  • No fasting is typically required — eat normally unless told otherwise.
  • Hydrate well before the appointment; you'll be asked to empty your bladder right before imaging.
  • Tell us about hormone therapy (ADT), recent prostate biopsy, surgery, or radiation.
  • Plan for the visit to last approximately 1–2 hours from injection to scan.
  • Tell us if you have any allergies or significant kidney disease.

Bring with you

  • Photo ID, insurance card, and physician order.
  • Recent PSA labs, biopsy reports, and prior prostate MRI or PET imaging.
  • Your completed PET/CT questionnaire.

Bone Scan Prep

Nuclear medicine imaging for skeletal evaluation.

Before your visit

  • You may usually eat and take routine medications unless told otherwise.
  • Drink water before and after your appointment if allowed.
  • Plan for the exam in stages — imaging may occur after tracer circulation.
  • Tell us if pregnant, breastfeeding, or recently had nuclear medicine imaging.

Bring with you

  • Photo ID, insurance card, and physician order.
  • Relevant prior X-rays, CT, MRI, PET, or bone scan records.
  • Your completed bone scan questionnaire.

CT Prep

Preparation depends on whether contrast is required.

Before your visit

  • Confirm whether your exam is with contrast, without, or both.
  • Follow fasting instructions if contrast is planned.
  • Tell us about iodine or contrast dye allergies.
  • Tell us if you have kidney disease, diabetes, or take metformin.

Bring with you

  • Photo ID, insurance card, and physician order.
  • Recent lab results if requested for contrast safety.
  • Your completed CT questionnaire.

MRI Prep

Safety screening is important before every MRI.

Before your visit

  • Tell us about pacemakers, implants, aneurysm clips, stimulators, metal fragments, or surgical hardware.
  • Wear comfortable clothing without metal when possible.
  • Remove jewelry, watches, hearing aids, cards, and metal accessories before the scan.
  • Tell us if you're claustrophobic, pregnant, or need extra assistance.

Bring with you

  • Photo ID, insurance card, and physician order.
  • Implant or device cards, if applicable.
  • Your completed MRI questionnaire.

Common Questions

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to what patients ask most.

How early should I arrive?

Please arrive early enough to complete check-in and safety paperwork. If you have forms completed ahead of time, check-in is usually faster.

What should I bring?

Bring your photo ID, insurance card, physician order, completed forms, medication list, and any relevant prior imaging records.

Can I eat before my exam?

It depends on the exam and whether contrast or a tracer is used. Please follow the instructions given when scheduling, or call us if you're unsure.

What if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Please tell our staff before your appointment. Some imaging exams may need special review, additional precautions, or rescheduling.

How is PSMA PET/CT different from a regular PET scan?

PSMA PET/CT uses a tracer that binds specifically to prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), a protein commonly found on prostate cancer cells. This makes it especially useful for detecting prostate cancer at low PSA levels, evaluating recurrence after treatment, and staging before therapy. Unlike F-18 FDG PET, fasting is usually not required for PSMA PET/CT.

How do I get directions?

Use the Directions button on this page, call us at (714) 957-0317, or visit us at 17150 Euclid Street, Suite 101, Fountain Valley, CA 92708.

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