Wearing Oxygen During a PET Scan
Yes, patients requiring continuous supplemental oxygen can and should wear their oxygen during a PET scan via nasal cannula or portable oxygen concentrator. Oxygen should never be discontinued for imaging procedures in oxygen-dependent patients, as maintaining adequate oxygenation takes priority over imaging logistics 1.
Key Principles for Oxygen Use During PET Scans
Continuation of Oxygen Therapy
- Supplemental oxygen must be continued throughout the procedure for patients with chronic lung disease who require it, as discontinuation risks hypoxemia and its associated complications 1.
- The American Society of Anesthesiologists explicitly recommends using supplemental oxygen during procedures unless specifically contraindicated, and PET scanning has no such contraindication 1.
- Pulse oximetry should be used continuously during the scan to monitor oxygen saturation and ensure adequate oxygenation 1.
Practical Delivery Methods
- Nasal cannula is the preferred delivery device during PET/CT imaging because it is well-tolerated, allows patient positioning, and does not interfere with the imaging field 1.
- Low-flow oxygen (typically 1-4 L/min) via nasal cannula is sufficient for most patients and minimizes equipment bulk during scanning 1.
- Portable oxygen concentrators or small compressed gas cylinders can be positioned outside the scanner bore while maintaining oxygen delivery through extended tubing 1.
Target Oxygen Saturation
- For most patients with chronic lung disease, maintain oxygen saturation at 88-92% during the procedure, which is the standard target for those at risk of hypercapnic respiratory failure 1.
- For patients without COPD or chronic hypercapnia, target saturation of 94-98% is appropriate 1.
- Adjust oxygen flow rate as needed based on continuous pulse oximetry monitoring to maintain these targets 1.
Equipment Considerations
Oxygen Delivery Systems Compatible with PET/CT
- Compressed gas cylinders can be secured outside the scanner room with long oxygen tubing extending to the patient 1.
- Portable oxygen concentrators are MRI-incompatible but safe for PET/CT use and can be positioned in the scanning room 1.
- Standard nasal cannula tubing (up to 50 feet) allows adequate distance between oxygen source and scanner 1.
Safety Precautions
- Ensure oxygen cylinders are properly secured to prevent tipping during patient positioning 1.
- Verify adequate oxygen supply for the entire scan duration (typically 30-60 minutes for PET/CT) 2.
- Never use petroleum-based nasal lubricants near oxygen delivery devices due to fire risk; use water-based alternatives only 3.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not discontinue oxygen "just for the scan" in oxygen-dependent patients—this creates unnecessary hypoxemia risk without any imaging benefit 1.
- Do not assume oxygen interferes with PET imaging—the radiation from 18F-FDG is far more energetic than any interference from oxygen equipment, and oxygen delivery does not affect image quality 2.
- Do not use bubble humidifiers during the scan as they provide no clinical benefit and increase infection risk 3.
- Do not reduce oxygen flow below the patient's prescribed rate without pulse oximetry confirmation of adequate saturation 1.