Myocardial Perfusion Scan

A Myocardial Perfusion scan evaluates coronary artery disease by assessing the blood flow to the heart muscle both at rest and at stress. It identifies major blockages to the blood supply of the heart and assesses the extent of damage to your heart caused by heart disease.

You are not required to fast for this procedure, however a light meal 2-3 hours prior to your examination is recommended. No caffeine for 24 hours prior to your appointment. This includes coffee, tea, green tea, chocolate, cola soft drink. Please advise us if you are a diabetic.

  • Bring a list of your medications.
  • Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
  • Bring a jumper or cardigan.

Feel free to bring along a book, iPad, headphones or similar as there are periods of waiting.

Upon arrival, an IV cannula will be inserted into your arm. This will remain in place for the entire duration of the examination.

Our Nuclear Medicine Technologist will administer an injection containing a slightly radioactive tracer, which is absorbed by your heart muscle. There are no side effects from this tracer and it contains only a small amount of radiation.

You will then be asked to sit and wait for 30-40 minutes while the tracer travels to the heart. After this time, imaging of your heart will commence for 20 minutes. For the next stage of examination, your heart rate is required to be raised so we can image your heart after it has been working harder than normal. To do this, we will ask you to walk on a treadmill. If you are unable to walk on the treadmill, we will issue a medicine that simulates you doing this exercise. Again, you will be asked to wait for 30-40 minutes before another 20 minutes of imaging commences.

Our Nuclear Medicine physician will review the images and issue a report. Once completed, the report will be sent electronically to your referring health professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Your original request form
  • Medicare and any Government concession pension or health care cards
  • Previous relevant imaging & blood test results

This examination has no associated side effects

This examination is not suitable for pregnant women. Breastfeeding mothers may undergo the procedure, but will need to cease breast feeding for 12 hours after the scan. Breast milk should be expressed and discarded during this period. Breast feeding may resume after the 12 hours.

Please allow up to 3-4 hours

Within 4 - 5 working days