Test Preparation

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

Obtain a signed requisition from your referring healthcare provider and, if possible, email or fax a copy to our clinic.
Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment with your signed requisition, if available, and your valid Ontario health card.
If applicable, bring a list of your medications and instructions from your referring healthcare provider.
We may request your height and weight to ensure our facilities are suitable for the required testing.
If you have mobility concerns, please ask your caregiver to accompany and assist you.
Please be considerate of other patients waiting for urgent healthcare appointments and provide at least 24 hours’ notice if you are unable to attend. A missed appointment will be charged a no-show fee, and your referring doctor will be notified.

SPECIALIST CONSULTATIONS

Bring a list of all your current medications.

CARDIAC TESTING

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor: Please wear a shirt/blouse with short or loose-fitting sleeves. Bring a list of all your current medications.
Echocardiogram: A cool sensation may be felt on the skin from the gel on the transducer, and a slight pressure of the transducer may be felt on your chest.
Exercise Stress Test: Discontinue erectile dysfunction medication for 1 week before your test. Bring a list of all your current medications. Wear soft sole shoes and comfortable clothing. Total test time: Approximately 30 minutes
Holter Monitor: Please do not put any cream/lotion on your chest. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Bring a list of all your current medications. Please note: a shower/bath is not permitted during the recording period.

NUCLEAR STRESS TEST (MYOCARDIAL PERFUSION IMAGING)

DO NOT take caffeine products 24 hours before the test. This includes all tea, coffee, decaffeinated tea/coffee, pop, chocolate, Tylenol 2 and 3 and/or medications containing caffeine.
You should be fasting (water is allowed) for 4 hours before the test.
Insulin-dependent diabetics should take their insulin with a light meal 2 hours before the test.
Wear loose fitting clothing, such as t-shirt, track pants, athletic shoes, etc. if the test involves treadmill exercise.
Bring a list of all current prescription medications and check with your physician regarding the discontinuation of any heart medications, such as Beta-Blockers like Metoprolol or Atenolol, as well as Calcium Channel Blockers like Diltiazem or Verapamil.
DO NOT take erectile dysfunction medications, such as Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, etc. for 48 hours before the test.
If you are pregnant or there is a possibility of pregnancy, or if you are breastfeeding, please consult with your physician.

Myocardial Perfusion Imaging consists of two parts. These parts may be completed in one or two days.

1. Rest Study: 1-1.5 Hours

For this portion of the test the technologist will administer via intravenous injection a small amount of radioactive tracer, which is carried by the blood stream to your heart. There are no side effects with this injection. Approximately 30-45 minutes after your injection, the technologist will take pictures of your heart for approximately 20 minutes with a special gamma camera that detects the injection. For the imaging, you will be lying on a bed and while the pictures are being taken, it’s important to remain very still during this time to avoid blurring the images.

2. Stress Study: 2-2.5 Hours:

For this portion of the test, ECG electrodes will be place on your chest to monitor your heart rhythm throughout the test. An intravenous line will also be placed in the arm or hand. You will begin to exercise on a treadmill, during which time your heart rate and blood pressure will rise. These are normal responses that are being closely monitored with your ECG.
If you are unable to exercise adequately on a treadmill, similar results can be achieved using a drug called Persantine. Persantine mimics the effects of exercise by dilating the blood vessels of the heart, allowing for increased blood flow.
Once you have reached your maximum level of exercise, the technologist will administer a small amount of radioactive tracer, and you will continue exercising for an additional 1-2 minutes. If blood flow to the heart is limited due to coronary artery disease, then the amount of tracer in your heart is reduced.
It is very important that a set of pictures is taken after the stress test to compare to the resting images and assess the amount of blood supply to the heart at rest and during stress (exercise). Once the stress test is complete you will wait approximately 20-45 minutes afterwards before the imaging can begin. The wait time may vary based on individual characteristics to best optimize image quality, the technologist will advise how long you will be waiting before images.

After the Test: You will be able to return to your normal activities when the test is complete unless your physician or technologist tells you otherwise. You can drive after the test. If you are travelling by plane, train or crossing the border within one week after your test, please inform the technologist.

GENERAL NUCLEAR MEDICINE

Bone Scan: No restrictions. Test time: 1st visit – 15 minutes, return in 2.5 hours, 2nd visit – 1 hour
Gastric Emptying: Nothing by mouth overnight; Off opiates, prokinetics and antispasmodics for 48 hours (only if instructed by doctor). Test time: 4 hours
MUGA Scan: No caffeine for 4 hours. Test time: 45 minutes
Parathyroid Scan: No restrictions. Test time: 1st visit – 1 hour, return in 3 hours, 2nd visit – 1 hour
Renal Scan: Well hydrated (You may empty bladder); Bring list of current medications. Test time: 1 hour
Renal Scan with Lasix: Well hydrated (You may empty bladder); Bring list of current medications. Test time: 1.5 hour
Renal Scan with Captopril: Well hydrated (You may empty bladder); Off ACEIs & ARBs for 72 hours (only if instructed by doctor); Nothing by mouth for 4 hours; Bring list of current medications. Test time: 2 hours
Thyroid Uptake & Scan: Off thyroid replacement medications for 4 weeks; Off anti-thyroid medications for 4 days (only if instructed by doctor); Nothing by mouth for 2 hours on Day 2. Test time: Day 1 – 10 minutes, Day 2 – 1 hour

Test Preparation

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

SPECIALIST CONSULTATIONS

CARDIAC TESTING

NUCLEAR STRESS TEST (MYOCARDIAL PERFUSION IMAGING)

GENERAL NUCLEAR MEDICINE

Share Your Feedback

About Us

For Patients

For Healthcare Providers

Recent News