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Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Rest and Stress Perfusion Scan

Patient Education
Last reviewed

What is this scan?

It is a scan to take pictures of the blood flow to your heart muscle at rest and during stress. It will tell your doctor if any parts of your heart do not get enough blood.

Getting ready for your scan:

  • Dress warm. Do not wear jewelry. Do not wear clothing with metal or zippers.

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.
  • Caffeine can affect this scan. Your scan will be rescheduled if you eat or drink caffeine for 12 hours before the scan, such as:
    • Coffee
    • Tea
    • Soda pop
    • Chocolate
    • Cocoa
    • Decaffeinated drinks

Medicine

  • Do not take any medicine with theophylline, aminophylline, or dipyridamole for 48 hours before your scan.
  • Take your normal medicines with water before your scan. 

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 scan takes 30 minutes. You may be in the PET Center for 2 to 3 hours.
  • Before the scan, we will place patches on your chest for heart rhythm. Bras will be removed. If you have a chest with hair, it will need to be shaved.
    • During the scan we will give you a small amount of radioactive tracer into your vein through an intravenous catheter (IV). Pictures will be taken.
    • We will give you a medicine to stress your heart called regadenoson and a 2nd dose of radioactive tracer. A 2nd set of pictures of your heart will be taken.
    • You will have to hold still with your arms above your head for about 30 minutes.
  • After the scan you may:
    • Eat and drink as normal
    • Do your normal activity
    • Drink extra fluids and pee often

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