MYOCARDIAL PERFUSION STUDY
A Myocardial Perfusion Scan is a nuclear medicine technique used to determine whether your heart is receiving enough blood from your coronary arteries.
The scan evaluates the blood flow to the heart at both rest and stress and assists us in determining the overall function of the heart.
You are required to fast for this procedure. A light meal three hours prior to your appointment time is recommended. Please advise us if you are a diabetic.
You must cease caffeine for 24 hours prior to your appointment. This includes coffee, tea, green tea, chocolate, and cola soft drink.
You will be escorted into the nuclear medicine examination room and IV cannula will be inserted into your arm. This will remain in place for the entire duration of the examination.
The nuclear medicine technologist will administer an injection containing a radioactive tracer, which is absorbed from the blood by your heart muscle.
Part one: rest scan
Following a wait of 30-40 minutes, images will be acquired of your heart. Imaging of the heart takes approximately 30 minutes.
Part two: stress test
This may involve exercise on a treadmill or if you are unable to walk on the treadmill, we will administer a medicine that stresses your heart. Your blood pressure and ECG are monitored during this phase of the test. Another injection of radioactive tracer is administered at the time of peak stress.
Part three: stress scan
A second set of images of your heart are taken after a wait of 30-40 minutes.
You are free to leave the department. Your results will be sent to your referring health professional.
Please allow up to 4 hours.
- Your original referral or request form
- Medicare and any Government concession pension or health care cards
- Previous relevant imaging
- A book, iPad, headphones or similar as there are periods of waiting.
Yes, but in most cases we do not perform nuclear medicine procedures on pregnant women, unless the medical benefit outweighs any potential risks.
Breastfeeding mothers may undergo a nuclear medicine procedure but may need to cease breastfeeding for a period of time following the scan. Breast milk should be expressed and discarded during this period.
