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Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Cardiac Viability Scan

Patient Education
Last reviewed

What is this scan?

It is a scan to check your heart muscle health in the presence of decreased blood flow.

Getting ready for your scan:

Food

  • Do not eat or drink for 6 hours before the scan.
    • If you get food through a tube, stop the tube feeding 6 hours before the scan.
    • If you get nourishment through a vein in your arm, such as total parenteral nutrition (TPN), stop the infusion 6 hours before the scan.
  • If you have any other scan today where you are told not to eat or drink for a longer amount of time, follow those instructions.

Medicine

  • Take your normal medicines with water before your scan.
  • Do not take insulin for 4 hours before your scan.
    • If you must take insulin to control your blood sugar levels, do so and call us to reschedule the scan.
  • If you wear an insulin pump, stop the pump 4 hours before your scan. If you cannot turn off the pump, keep it at a basal (night) setting for 4 hours before your scan.

Other 

  • You will have your blood sugar checked when you get to the PET Center. If your blood sugar is above 200, the test will be rescheduled.
  • Do not wear necklaces. Bras will be removed before the scan.
  • Dress warm. Do not wear jewelry. Do not wear clothing with metal or zippers.

Before your scan, tell your nurse if:

  • You are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.
  • You have a fear of closed-in places or if you are very nervous. We can give you medicine to help you relax. You will need a person with you to drive you home if you take the medicine.

What to expect:

  • The 1st scan takes 15 to 30 minutes. You may be in the PET Center for 1 to 2 hours.
  • Before the 2nd scan, we will give you:
    • Intravenous (IV) glucose over 10 minutes
    • IV insulin
    • A small amount of IV radioactive tracer
      • You will then wait 40 minutes in a room before the scan. Your blood sugar will be checked during this time.
  • After the scan you may:
    • Eat and drink as normal
    • Do your normal activity

Your appointment:

Directions: 

  • Take Elevator I to the Lower Level (LL).
  • Take a left out of the elevator.
  • The PET Imaging Center reception is down the hall on the right. 

Changes to insurance: 

These exams often need pre-authorization. Letting us know about changes before the scan can help lessen delays. If you have any changes to your insurance: 

  • Call Registration (866-309-0382) before your appointment. 

If you cannot do the prep: 

  • You may not be able to have the scan.
  • You may need to be rescheduled.

 If you need to cancel: 

• Call the PET Center at 319-356-4100