This test has two parts and takes approximately 60 minutes. In the first part of the test a nuclear technologist will take you to the testing suite and you will be asked if you have followed the pre-test instructions. These instructions must be followed as certain drugs you might be taking (beta-blockers and caffeine) have an adverse affect on the test results. Taking them will require the test to be rescheduled. An IV (intravenous line) will be started in your arm and at this point you will meet your treadmill technician and he/she will explain the next part of the test and answer any questions you have. Your blood pressure will be monitored and you will be connected to an electrocardiogram (EKG), machine that will constantly display your heart rhythm and rate. During this part of the test, you will be given oral nitroglycerine to dilate the blood vessels of your heart. When we have gotten the desired effect on your heart, the nuclear medicine technologist will give you an injection of the isotope through the IV line. The isotope has no side effects and concentrates in parts of the heart that have the best blood flow. Once the isotope is injected, you will be positioned on the scanner and the camera will begin to take images. Remember, remaining still is of the utmost importance as it affects the scan critically. This scan takes approximately 24 minutes. After this scan is done you will be finished with this part of the test.

When the scan is finished, the technologist will give you a time to come back later in the day so that a second set of images can be taken. For this Second part, there is no preparation. When you return, you will be taken back to the camera room and placed on the scanner for another 20 minutes. Once the scan is completed, you will be finished with the test unless your physician has asked for follow-up images on the following day.