This test aims to assess the blood supply to your heart. The first part of the test is performed by injecting a radioactive tracer into a vein in your arm (we insert an intravenous catheter or ‘drip’ so that we can make all our injections with only one needle). This tracer enables us to take images of blood flow to the heart at rest. The imaging takes about 15 minutes. The camera will move around the body to take 3 dimensional images.
The next part of the test is performed by injecting a substance called dipyridamole through the drip. This causes the arteries around the heart to dilate. If there is narrowing of any of the coronary arteries, less blood flows to the part of the heart supplied by the narrow artery. Following this you will be instructed to perform simple exercise using your legs for four minutes. In order to see the ‘stress’ images of the heart a second injection of the tracer is given during the leg exercises. The test is supervised by a doctor assisted by a nurse or technologist. Following this procedure, images of the heart will again be taken so that our specialist can compare the two sets of images.
The test may give you some side effects which will be fully explained on the day of the test. You will be safe to drive after the test.
Below is a list of requirements for you to follow prior to your procedure.
 | Do send us a copy of your referral if you have not yet done so. We require this prior to your appointment. |
 | Do contact us if you CAN vigorously exercise on a stationary bike for at least 10 minutes. This test can usually only be performed on patients who are unable to exercise at a reasonable level, so if you can vigorously exercise on a stationary bike for at least 10 minutes please contact our staff to discuss before your appointment. |
 | Don’t have any caffeine for 24 hours prior to appointment. No chocolate, cough medicine containing caffeine, most hot drinks (including tea, coffee, green teas, decaffeinated drinks) and soft drinks containing caffeine (including Coke, Pepsi etc) Your test will need to be cancelled & rebooked if you have any caffeine in the previous 24 hrs prior to your appointment |
 | Don’t eat or smoke for 4 hours prior to appointment. No food, smoking, chewing, gum, lollies, breath mints, cough lollies etc. |
 | Do continue to Drink Water. |
 | Do continue to take your regular medication as normal. |
 | Do bring your reading glasses with you. You will be required to complete some paperwork on arrival, if you require reading glasses please bring them with you |
 | Do wear loose, warm, comfortable clothing. Avoid zippers, studs, watches, and jewellery. |
 | Do bring a list of any medications you take to your appointment. |
 | Diabetic patients taking insulin. Do check your blood sugar level before you arrive. |
 | Do let us know if you need to cancel your appointment. Every patient has an individual isotope dose ordered for them. This is a high cost item. We need early advice (at least 48hrs) of cancellation to stop the preparation of this isotope, otherwise this cost may be passed onto you. |
| Do bring your Referral, Medicare, Concession and DVA Card and any previous related scans to your appointment. |
 | Do expect to be in our clinic for between 4 to 5 hours. |
 | Do avoid close prolonged contact with infants/young children and pregnant women for 4 hours after administration of the tracer. |
Does any of the following apply to you? If so please contact us as soon as possible.
- You are diabetic and are on insulin.
- You take medication for asthma (eg Theophylline, Theodur, Nuelyn or Austyn)
- You take Persantin or Assasantin or take medication containing these drugs.
- You are pregnant or breast feeding.
- You suffer from severe claustrophobia.
- You are a female with a weight over 100kg or a male over 120kg.
- You experience chest pains in the 48 hours before your appointment.
- The patient is non-english speaking and requires us to arrange an interpreter to be present at the appointment.