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Nuclear cardiology provides important anatomical and physiological information about the heart which helps in patient diagnosis, prognosis and care management. The ICU-experienced, ACLS-certified staff performs diagnostic studies in the newest, most up-to-date nuclear cardiology laboratory in South Texas. In fact, it was the first clinical entity in Texas to perform dual-isotope cardiac scanning. Advanced computer systems generate immediate, crystal-clear graphic and text reports of test results. Physicians receive reports the same day the test is performed, resulting in a significant savings in time for the physician and much less anxiety for the patient. Cardiac nuclear imaging tests include:
Pre-Procedural Instructions THIS TEST TAKES APPROXIMATELY 2 TO 3 HOURS. MEALS: NO FOOD OR LIQUIDS, ESPECIALLY CAFFEINE, 4 HOURS PRIOR TO THE TEST. Minimal amounts of water may be taken with your medication. If your test is at 1:00pm or later, you may have a light breakfast. MEDICATIONS: Please take your medications as usual, unless otherwise instructed by your physician. Diabetic patients: Please consult your physician. WHAT TO WEAR: Comfortable, loose fitting clothing. A short sleeve shirt that buttons up the front is preferable. Please wear comfortable walking shoes, as you will be walking on a treadmill. WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU: Your insurance cards and a list of your medications and/or your medications. WHAT IS IT: The radionuclide stress test is a diagnostic nuclear medicine exam used to determine if the heart muscle is getting the blood supply it needs. The exam requires the injection of a radioisotope through an intravenous (IV) line. The radioisotope contains a small amount of radioactive material that is cleared from your body by a natural process. The amount of radiation you will be exposed to is comparable to that from an X-ray. Millions of nuclear medicine exams are performed each year. WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO ME: Once you arrive, the nurse or medical assistant will take a brief history on you. You will then be asked to sign a consent form, which allows the physician to perform the test. An intravenous (IV) line will be placed in your arm or hand A radioisotope will be administered by injection through the IV line and a special camera will take pictures of your heart. These are called your resting pictures. The next portion of the stress test is accomplished by walking on a moving belt called a treadmill. Several small pads called electrodes will be placed on your chest and an electrocardiograph (EKG) machine will monitor your heart rhythm. Your doctor will be present during this portion of the exam. The treadmill will move very slowly at first, and gradually increase in speed and incline. As you exercise, your heart rate and blood pressure will rise. This is normal. If you experience any unusual symptoms while walking on the treadmill, such as light-headedness or chest pain, tell the doctor or nurse supervising your test. After the stress portion of your exam, a second set of pictures of your heart will be taken. These are called your stress pictures. The procedure is then complete. ROUTINE EXERCISE TOLERANCE TEST THIS TEST TAKES APPROXIMATELY 1 HOUR. MEALS: No food or liquids, especially caffeine, 4 hours prior to the test. Minimal amounts of water may be taken with your medication. If your test is at 1:00 p.m. or later you may have a light breakfast only. MEDICATIONS: Please take your medications as usual, unless otherwise instructed by your physician. WHAT TO WEAR: Comfortable, loose fitting clothing. A short sleeve shirt that buttons up the front is preferable. Please wear comfortable walking shoes, as you will be walking on a treadmill. WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU: Your medications or a list of your medications and your insurance cards. If your insurance requires you to make a co-payment, this will be collected at the time of your appointment. WHAT IS IT: A Routine Exercise Tolerance Test is an essential diagnostic tool that can reveal valuable clinical information about the status of the cardiovascular system. You will be monitored with an electrocardiogram (EKG), while walking on the treadmill. An EKG is a graphic representation of the electrical forces produced by the heart. It can provide useful information about the metabolic status, fluid and electrolyte balance and the effects of various therapeutic interventions. WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO ME?
Contact Information
San Antonio Laboratory
Phone: (210) 616-0237 Kerrville Laboratory
Phone: (830) 257-6363 |
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