From the Research
It is generally safe to drink black coffee before a DOTATATE PET/CT scan, but you should follow your specific medical facility's instructions. Most centers allow clear liquids including black coffee (without milk, cream, or sugar) up to 2 hours before the scan. However, some facilities may request complete fasting or have different guidelines. Coffee is typically acceptable because it doesn't contain significant calories or carbohydrates that would alter glucose metabolism or interfere with the DOTATATE radiotracer, which binds to somatostatin receptors rather than using glucose metabolism like standard FDG PET scans. The DOTATATE scan is specifically designed to detect neuroendocrine tumors and related conditions. To be safe, drink only black coffee in moderate amounts, avoid any additives, and always confirm with your imaging center beforehand as protocols can vary between facilities.
Some studies have evaluated the effects of caffeine on imaging tests, such as myocardial perfusion positron emission tomography (PET) 1, 2. However, these studies are not directly related to DOTATATE PET/CT scans, and the results may not be applicable to this specific context. The most relevant studies for DOTATATE PET/CT scans are those that evaluate the diagnostic performance of the scan in detecting neuroendocrine tumors 3, 4, 5. These studies demonstrate the high sensitivity and specificity of DOTATATE PET/CT scans in detecting neuroendocrine tumors, but they do not provide information on the effects of coffee or caffeine on the scan.
In summary, while there is limited evidence on the specific effects of coffee or caffeine on DOTATATE PET/CT scans, it is generally considered safe to drink black coffee before the scan, as long as you follow your medical facility's instructions. It is always best to confirm with your imaging center beforehand to ensure that you are following the correct protocol. The DOTATATE scan is a valuable tool for detecting neuroendocrine tumors, and its accuracy is not significantly affected by moderate coffee consumption, as shown in studies evaluating the scan's diagnostic performance 3, 4, 5.