PROCEDURES:
- Cardiac Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan with Rubidium Myocardial Perfusion Scan
- Cardiac Single-Photon Emission Computerized Tomography (SPECT) Myocardial Perfusion Scan
- Multigated Acquisition (MUGA) Scan
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PROCEDURE:
- NUCLEAR STRESS TEST: PET and SPECT
The test involves an injection of a small amount of radioactive material, which circulates in the bloodstream and shows if your heart muscle is receiving adequate blood supply under stress and/or resting conditions.
The test usually consists of three (3) parts: imaging under resting conditions, a stress test, and imaging after the stress test. Occasionally, the resting imaging is done on a separate day.
- MUGA SCAN – Multigated Acquisition Scan
The test involves an injection of a small amount of radioactive material which is first mixed with a small blood sample taken from you. It circulates in the blood stream and shows the efficiency of the heart pumping.
DIETARY INSTRUCTIONS:
- Stop all eating 6 hours before your scheduled appointment time. Certain Nuclear stress tests may allow you to have water up to your test time. Please consult the nurse when they call you with your testing instructions.
- No caffeine or chocolate products for 12 hours prior to your test: This includes all coffee, tea, sodas and chocolate products, even if they are decaffeinated. This may include dietary drinks.
MEDICATIONS (take/stop):
- A nurse will call you 48 to 72 hours prior to your test to review all instructions and medications. Certain medications may need to be held.
CLOTHING:
- Wear a short sleeve button down shirt with no metal snaps or decorations.
- Wear comfortable, secure shoes if you will be walking on a treadmill.
- Bring a cardigan sweater or light jacket because the lobby can be cool.
- No Dresses, flip flops or high heels.
HOW LONG IT WILL TAKE:
- Cardiac PET Stress Test
Registration and testing takes approximately 1 ½ hours.
- Cardiac SPECT STRESS TEST
Testing take approximately three (3) to Four (4) hours to complete.
The majority of this time is spent in the nuclear medicine waiting room.
You might want to bring a book or magazine to occupy your time.
Sorry, no children under 18 or pregnant women allowed in the nuclear waiting room.
- MUGA
Testing takes approximately 1 ½ hours.
FAQ:
- Will they require someone to bring them home? No.
- How many people are allowed to be with them? None during the procedure.
- Cardiac SPECT Stress Test appointment times are between 6:45am – 8:15am or 11:30am to 12:45pm.
- Cardiac PET Stress Test appointment times are between 7:45am and 3:45pm daily.
