Optimal patient preparation is essential for high-quality FDG PET/CT imaging. In this session, key preparation steps are reviewed in a practical and structured way, with a focus on how fasting, hydration, physical activity, glucose control, and medication timing influence tracer distribution and image interpretation.

The course also addresses important special situations, including diabetic patients, cardiac FDG PET, breastfeeding, pregnancy, brown fat activation, sedation, and selected oral contrast strategies. The aim is to provide a clear framework for daily clinical practice and to help avoid common pitfalls that may reduce scan quality or complicate interpretation.

Learning Objectives

After this course, participants should be able to:

• Describe the core principles of patient preparation for FDG PET/CT in daily practice
• Recognize how preparation influences physiologic tracer uptake and image quality
• Apply adapted preparation strategies in special clinical scenarios, including diabetes and cardiac imaging
• Identify common pitfalls and practical measures to improve scan quality and interpretation