A Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan is a diagnostic imaging test that uses a small amount of radioactive material, known as a radiotracer, to visualize metabolic activity inside the body. Driving after a PET scan depends on two primary factors: the low level of radiation remaining in your system and whether any mild sedation was administered. While the radiotracer itself generally does not cause impairment, most medical facilities have protocols that restrict driving immediately after the test. This restriction focuses on both the patient’s physical state and the safety of the public concerning radiation exposure.
How the Radiotracer Affects Driving Safety
The radiotracer injected for a PET scan, most commonly Fluorodeoxyglucose (F-18 FDG), emits a small amount of radiation. The primary concern regarding driving immediately after the scan is the potential for accidental public exposure during a prolonged trip or in the event of an accident, not that the radiation will impair the driver.
The radioactive material has a short half-life, meaning the radioactivity decays quickly; for F-18 FDG, the half-life is approximately 110 minutes. Despite this rapid decay, the patient remains a source of low-level radiation for several hours. Medical facilities often recommend a waiting period before operating a vehicle, regardless of how physically well the patient feels, to limit the risk of exposing passengers or others to the tracer. This safety measure is designed to protect the general public from unnecessary radiation exposure, particularly in close quarters like a car.
Physical Readiness and Sedation Effects
Beyond the radiotracer, the most common reason a patient cannot drive themselves home is the administration of a sedative or other medication during the procedure. Although sedation is not standard for every PET scan, it may be used to help patients remain perfectly still for the duration of the scan. Even mild sedation can significantly impair motor skills and judgment, making operating a vehicle unsafe.
Residual effects from these medications, such as grogginess, dizziness, or blurred vision, can slow reaction time and compromise the ability to focus on the road. If any form of sedative was given, the patient is required to have an alternate means of transportation, often for a period of 12 to 24 hours, depending on the drug used. This restriction is based purely on the patient’s temporary physical and mental capability, independent of the radiation risk.
Post-Scan Safety Measures and Minimizing Exposure
Once safely home, patients should follow specific steps to accelerate the elimination of the radiotracer and minimize secondary exposure to others. The most effective action is to increase fluid intake by drinking plenty of water or other hydrating beverages, which helps flush the radioactive material from the body more quickly through the urine.
Patients should also practice good hygiene, including frequent urination and thoroughly washing hands after using the restroom. It is often recommended to flush the toilet twice after each use for the first few hours following the scan. Maintaining distance from vulnerable individuals is another important precaution, as developing systems are considered more sensitive to radiation exposure.
Specific guidelines usually suggest limiting prolonged close contact with infants, small children, and pregnant women for 6 to 12 hours after the scan. This includes avoiding activities like extended cuddling or sitting close together for long periods. If sharing a bed, patients may be advised to sleep alone for the first night to ensure a safe distance from a partner.