Information for Patients

A myocardial perfusion scan is a type of nuclear medicine procedure. This means that a tiny amount of a radioactive substance, called a radionuclide (radiopharmaceutical or radioactive tracer), is used during the procedure to assist in the examination of the tissue under study. Specifically, the myocardial perfusion scan evaluates the heart’s function and blood flow.

A radionuclide is a radioactive substance used as a "tracer," which means it travels through the blood stream and is taken up (absorbed) by the healthy heart muscle tissue. On the scan, the areas where the radionuclide has been absorbed will show up differently than the areas that do not absorb it (due to possible damage to the tissue from decreased or blocked blood flow).

A stress myocardial perfusion scan is used to assess the blood flow to the heart muscle (myocardium) when it is stressed by exercise or medication and to determine what areas of the myocardium have decreased blood flow. This is done by injecting a radionuclide (thallium or technetium) into a vein in the arm or hand.
 

There is not usually any special preparation for the scan. You will be able to eat and drink normally and continue with any prescribed medication unless you are told otherwise. If you are or may be pregnant or are breast feeding please tell us before your scan.

The injection of the radionuclide may cause some slight discomfort. Allergic reactions to the radionuclide are rare.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, you should notify your health care provider due to the risk of injury to the fetus from a myocardial perfusion scan. Radiation exposure during pregnancy may lead to birth defects. If you are breastfeeding, you should notify your health care provider due to the risk of contaminating breast milk with the radionuclide.

Patients who are allergic to or sensitive to medications, contrast dyes, iodine, tape, or latex should notify their doctor.
 

When you arrive, report to X-ray Central Reception.

• You will lie flat on a table while the images of your heart are obtained. Approximately 10 to 60 minutes after the radionuclide is injected, the gamma camera will begin to take pictures of your heart. In a special kind of test called SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography), the scanner will rotate around you as it takes pictures.

• Your arms will be positioned above your head. It will be necessary for you to lie very still while the images are being taken, as movement can adversely affect the quality of the images.

• After the scan is completed, you may be allowed to leave the area, but will need to return at the appropriate time for a second set of scans.

After the scan you can eat normally and go wherever you wish. You may be asked to drink plenty of fluids and empty your bladder frequently for 24-48 hours, to wash the radioactivity out of your body (this will also disappear naturally).

It is best to avoid cuddling your children for the rest of the day to avoid exposing them to unnecessary radiation.

The results of your examination will not be given to you on the same day, but will be forwarded to your consultant who will write to you or arrange an appointment.