Patient Instructions
Can I eat or drink on the day of the test?
- DO NOT eat or drink anything except water for four hours before the test.
- DO NOT have anything that contains caffeine for 24 hours before the test.
Caffeine invalidates your test results. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, most chocolate products, as well as strawberries (these contain a small amount of caffeine). Also, avoid decaffeinated or caffeine-free products, all teas (including but not limited to: green tea, herbal tea, mint, anis, chamomile) for 24 hours before the test, as these products contain traceable amounts of caffeine.
- DO NOT SMOKE ON THE DAY OF THE TEST – Nicotine affects the test results.
What should I wear on the day of the test?
- Please dress comfortably, and avoid wearing metal
What should I do if I am claustrophobic?
- Claustrophobic patients should bring appropriate medicine with them (arranged with ordering doctor).
Should I take my medications on the day of the test?
Please continue taking your medications unless your referring physician tells you otherwise. Please bring a copy of all of your medications and supplements, including those that are non-prescription (over the counter), to this appointment.
Please follow below guidelines:
Medications with caffeine: DO NOT take any over-the-counter medication that contains caffeine for at least 24 hours before the test (such as Excedrin, Anacin, diet pills and NoDoz). Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse if you have questions about other medications that may contain caffeine.
If you have asthma: Your referring physician will tell you NOT to take theophylline (Theo-dur) for at least 48 hours before the test. Please bring your asthma inhaler to the test.
If you have diabetes:
- If you take insulin, take your usual morning dose and eat a light meal four hours before the test.
- If you take pills, do not take your medication before the test. Bring your diabetes medication with you, so you can take it after you finish the test. Do not take your diabetes medication and skip a meal before the test.
- If you think your blood sugar is low, tell us right away. Plan to eat and take your medication after you finish the test.
If you take heart medications:
- Ask you doctor about changes you need to make to your medications before the test.
- DO NOT stop taking any medication unless your doctor instructs you to do so.
- Dipyridamole (Persantine) – If you are on this medication, you must stop taking it 48 hours before the test. Before stopping, please contact your referring physician.
What to expect during the test:
- The testing area is supervised by a doctor.
- You will remove clothing from the waist up and wear a hospital gown during the test.
- You will undergo an EKG before and during the test to keep track of your heart’s electrical activity. Several small, sticky patches (electrodes) will be placed on your body to record the EKG.
- We will check your blood pressure before the test.
- You will have an IV drip inserted into your arm or hand. The IV drip is used to administer you medication and the tracer (to monitor your blood flow) during the test.
- You will lie very still on the exam table for 15 minutes - twice, once while resting and once while you are active. The PET scanner will be over you. It is extremely important that you do not move during the exam for the entire 15 minutes.
- You will get a small amount of radioactive tracer, through your IV so your doctor can check your blood flow while you are resting.
- You will get medication (vasodilator) through your IV to cause your heart to react as if you were exercising. You may feel warm or flush and may have a mild headache.
- You will get another small amount of tracer so your doctor can check your blood flow while you are active. Your doctor will compare the two scans (resting and active).
- Your healthcare team will ask you how you are feeling several times during the test. Please let them know if you have any pain or discomfort in your chest, arm, or jaw, or if you feel short of breath, dizzy or lightheaded, or have any other unusual symptoms.
- The IV will be removed from your arm at the end of the test.
How long will the test last?
The test will take approximately 3-5 hours.
How do I get the results of my test?
After the nuclear cardiologist reviews your entire test, the results will be available within three business days. Your referring provider will have access to the results and will contact you to discuss them. Please make a follow-up appointment with your provider. If you develop symptoms, seek immediate medical help and go to the nearest emergency department.
