Our practice, backed by the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) official endorsement, offers PET/CT imaging as the preferred imaging modality for myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). PET/CT combines the power of PET imaging with a CT scan to create a precise, 3‑D picture of your heart and blood flow.
This combination allows your provider to:
- Identify blockages or low‑blood‑flow areas
- Assess heart muscle health
- Plan the safest and most effective treatment
Because PET and CT images are overlaid, PET/CT offers some of the most accurate heart imaging available—all in one outpatient visit.
A PET or PET/CT scan is a simple, outpatient test that helps your care team see how well your heart is working.
48 HOURS BEFORE:
Do not take the following medications 48 hours before your test:
Aggrenox, Persantine, Theophylline, Theo-Dur, Dipyridamole, and Aminophylline
24 HOURS BEFORE:
Do not eat or drink anything that has CAFFEINE! This includes coffee, decaffeinated coffee, all teas (including green and herbal teas), Excedrin, chocolate, cocoa, soda, etc. for 24 hours before your exam.
Failure to follow these instructions will incur a $300 cancellation fee. CAFFEINE WILL RENDER YOUR TEST INVALID!
Please do drink plenty of water before your exam so you are well hydrated.
Discontinue all erectile dysfunction medications, including Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Avanafil, Cialis, Viagra, Stendra and Vardenafil.
4 HOURS BEFORE:
Do not eat or drink anything other than water, juice, or Gatorade.
Diabetic patients only: Hold any diabetes medications until they can be taken with food. Bring these medications with you to your appointment.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Bring your Photo ID and Insurance Card(s).
Bring your medications with you to your appointment.
Take all unrestricted medications as you normally would.
No Nitroglycerin patches or Oral Nitrates such as Isordil, Sorbitrate, Ismo, Monket, and Imdur.
Do not wear lotions, oils, or powders on your chest area.
Do not wear perfumes or body sprays.
PUNCTUALITY:
DO NOT BE LATE OR YOUR APPOINTMENT WILL BE RESCHEDULED. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your exam. Plan to be here for 1-1.5 hours.
CANCELLATION / NO SHOW:
Any no show or appointment cancellation within 24 hours of the exam will result in a $300 fee to cover the cost of your custom-ordered exam supplies.
REMINDERS:
No one can accompany you into the exam room due to radiation exposure.
Wear a comfortable two-piece outfit and do not wear any jewelry on the day of your test. Wear a bra without underwire and shirts/jackets without any metal.
This test cannot be done if you are pregnant, due to radioactive exposure. Tell your technologist, nurse, or doctor immediately if you are pregnant or think you might be. All females aged 50 and under who haven’t had a hysterectomy or tubal ligation may be given a pregnancy test at our office the day of your test.
Bring a light blanket for the exam room and a caffeinated item for after the exam.
WHAT TO EXPECT
You will show up 15 minutes before your appointment time and check in. You will sign a consent for the exam, and if female, a pregnancy form. An IV will be placed into your forearm or hand that you will keep for approximately 1 hour. Electrodes will be applied to your chest for a 12-lead EKG. If you have a hairy chest, you will be dry shaved unless you remove this hair on your own at home. You will be taken to the exam room and lay on the table with your arms resting above your head. If you brought a blanket, it will be placed over you.
There will be (4) sets of images acquired for a total exam time of 45-50 minutes:
CT of chest prior to exam start (1-2 minutes)
PET image of chest after administration of Rb-82 isotope (10 minutes)
PET image of chest after administration of Rb-82 isotope and Regadenoson (10 minutes)
Possible Regadenoson side effects: lightheadedness, dizziness, headache, shortness of breath, coughing, flushed, sweat, stomach cramping or nausea. Duration of side effects: 3-4 minutes.
CT of chest after exam (1-2 minutes)
Your body will be inside the camera for 20-30 minutes. Your head, shoulders, and arms will be free of the camera, but your legs and torso will be within the camera tunnel for the duration of the exam.
If you are prone to anxiety or claustrophobia, please REQUEST A PRESCRIPTION for anti-anxiety medication before the day of your exam!
- You can return to normal activities right away.
- Your cardiologist will review the images and explain what they show about your heart’s health.