What Is The Difference Between A 1-Day Protocol And A 2-Day Protocol.

For the 1-day protocol, both the rest and stress portions of the test are performed on the same day, and the test takes approximately 3-4 hours. The 1-day protocol also involves receiving a higher radiation dose. For the 2-day protocol, the rest and stress portions of the test are split into 2 separate days. The rest component takes approximately 1.5-2 hours, and the stress component takes approximately 2 hours. The 2 day protocol is recommended as it involves a lower radiation dose.

What Is The Difference Between An Exercise Stress Test And A Persantine Stress Test?

An exercise stress test involves you walking on a treadmill in order to put the heart in a stress state. However, if you are unable to walk on a treadmill, or if you have certain arrhythmias or ECG abnormalities, similar results can be achieved using a drug called Persantine. Persantine dilates the blood vessels of the heart in order to simulate a stress state, similar to what naturally occurs during physical exercise.

Can I Drive/Work/Travel Once The Test Is Completed?

Yes, you can resume your normal activities after the test, such as driving and working. If you are travelling by plane or crossing the border within one week after your test, please inform the technologist. If you will have close contact with pregnant women or young children, please inform the technologist.

I Am A Diabetic Patient. When Will I Be Allowed To Eat And Take My Medication?

If you are completing a 1-day protocol, you will be allowed to eat and resume your normal medications once the stress test is complete. If you are feeling unwell at any time, please inform the technologist. If you are completing a 2-day protocol, you will be allowed to eat and resume your medications immediately after the injection on both days (except if you have been instructed to discontinue any medications prior to the stress test). The 2-day protocol is recommended for diabetic patients as it minimizes the delay in eating.

Why Is My Height And Weight Required When Booking The Test?

We require your height and weight in order to calculate your body mass index (BMI). In an effort to reduce the radiation exposure for patients, we strive to match the radioactive injection to your body size. For example, a person who is 5’5” and 120 lbs will receive a lower radioactive dose than someone who is 5’5” and 250 lbs.

How Much Radiation Will I Be Exposed To?

The radiation dose from a conventional 1-day protocol for the nuclear stress test is similar to that from a chest CT or CT coronary angiogram. However, our state-of-the-art gamma camera allows us to significantly decrease the radiation dose for our patients without compromising image quality or diagnostic accuracy. Typically, our 1-day protocol patients will receive half the radioactive dose compared to conventional 1-day protocols.

We recommend a 2-day protocol for nuclear stress testing because the radiation dose is further decreased, as the low-dose radioactive injections are split between two days.

Refer to the charts below to estimate and compare your radiation exposure from Nuclear Cardiology Exams versus other common imaging exams.

Will I Feel Different After I’m Injected With Cardiolite?

You will not feel anything different after the radioactive injection. However, the potential for any adverse effects or allergic reaction is rare.

How Long Will The Radioactivity Stay In My Body?

The radioactive isotope used for imaging is 99mTechnetium, which has a half-life of 6 hours. Most of the isotope is eliminated in the first 24 hours after the injection. It is excreted through the urine, but you will not notice any difference. Residual amount of the tracer will remain for approximately 2-3 days.

Are There Any Contraindications?

Nuclear stress tests are not routinely performed on females who are pregnant or could potentially be pregnant. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if there is a possibility of pregnancy, please consult with your physician.

Who Can I Contact If I Have More Questions?
Please feel free to contact the clinic.