Myocardial Perfusion Scan


What is a Myocardial Perfusion Scan?
(also known as MIBI, MPS, Thallium scan)
A Myocardial Perfusion scan evaluates coronary artery disease by assessing the blood flow to the heart muscle both at rest and at stress.
 

How long does a Myocardial Perfusion Scan take?
Please allow approximately 4 - 5 hours to complete your scan. You will be in our practice the whole time. Due to the length this scan takes appointments are only made in the morning.

What preparation is there for a Myocardial Perfusion Scan?
You may be asked to cease certain medications prior to the test – please contact the practice for more information; an instruction sheet can be emailed to you.
Caffeine needs to be ceased 24 hours prior to your appointment (this includes but not limited to chocolate, tea, coffee, cola soft drink etc).
Have a light breakfast eg: toast and juice.
Wear a separate top to bottoms, with a shirt that can be opened at the front.
Please bring your referral from the doctor, any relevant recent scans/tests, and your Medicare card.

What does a Myocardial Perfusion Scan involve?
Part 1: REST: You will be given a small injection of a radioactive tracer that is taken up by the heart muscle. This injection will not make you feel any different. Following a short wait (20-60 minutes), images will be acquired of your heart. This part of the test takes about 1 hour.
There will then be a short wait (1-2 hours) before part 2. This wait is to allow for the first injection to decay and excrete your body, during this wait you will be required to stay in the practice.
Part 2: STRESS: This involves exercise on a bike. If you are unable to exercise an injection of medication is used to artificially stress the heart. An ECG is performed, and your blood pressure is noted. Once your heart is at peak stress, another injection of radioactive tracer is administered. Following this stress test, you will be offered a tea or coffee and some refreshments. After 20-60 minutes, more images will be acquired of your heart. This part of the test can take between 1 – 2 hours.

When are the results available?
After your scan is completed a Nuclear Medicine Physician will review your scan and write a report of the results. This report and the scan images will be sent securely electronically to your referring doctor/specialist. If you require your results to be sent to a different doctor please advise the staff on the day of your scan.

Are there any costs for this scan?
No, your scan will be Bulk Billed. This means there is NO out of pocket cost for you if you qualify for Medicare.


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