TY - JOUR T1 - Clinical <sup>18</sup>F-FDG Oncology Patient Preparation Techniques* JF - Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology JO - J. Nucl. Med. Technol. SP - 3 LP - 10 VL - 31 IS - 1 AU - Sharon M. Hamblen AU - Val J. Lowe Y1 - 2003/03/01 UR - http://tech.snmjournals.org/content/31/1/3.abstract N2 - Objectives:Clinical tumor imaging with 18F-FDG in PET is growing in demand. This article will provide a review of current patient preparation and imaging techniques. The goal is to make the PET study as noninvasive as possible for the patient while obtaining quality images. Communication and coordination when scheduling these studies involves the patient and radiopharmacy, scanner, and support staff. A pertinent patient history (information about weight, pregnancy, breastfeeding, diabetes, etc.) is vital for appropriate patient instructions and patient sequencing. Patient preparation involves many variations on fluid intake, diet, medications, and other factors. Blood glucose levels must be ≤150 mg/dL. If the patient has diabetes mellitus or is glucose intolerant, diet-exercise regime and glucose levels should be monitored. Accurate 18F-FDG dose calculation to be used for region-of-interest analysis or standard uptake value determination is imperative. After 18F-FDG injection, the patient must remain quiet and still to minimize muscle use. Before the scan, the patient may need relaxation medications, urinary catheterization, or other interventions. At the conclusion of this article, the reader should be able to list pertinent patient history issues that are useful for scheduling an 18F-FDG tumor scan, discuss methods to ensure accurate 18F-FDG patient dose calculations, and describe possible methods to help minimize urinary 18F-FDG excretion. ER -