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Persantine Sestamibi Stress Test

Many radiological exams require specific patient preparation prior to the exam in order to insure that the study is performed in the safest and most accurate manner possible. If you are scheduled for one of the following studies, follow the instructions exactly as written. If you have any questions or feel that you cannot comply with the instructions, be sure to call the Department of Cardiology at (716) 278-4404.

This a two-day test.

Before the Test:
Check with your physician about medications that should be stopped due to some medications affecting the outcome of the test.
Nothing to eat or drink except water for 6 hours before test.
NO coffee or tea 24 hours prior to the test.
NO alcoholic beverages 24 hours prior to the test.
Bring list of medications along with prescription form from your doctor.
You will be asked to sign a consent form after a physician explains the entire procedure to you in detail.

During the Test – Day 1:
This test will be completed in approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
The technician will place electrode patches on the chest. These electrodes are connected by wires to an electrograph machine which records heartbeats.
An intravenous line (IV) will be placed in your arm. The IV is used to administer the Nuclear Medicine and Persantine.
An Electrocardiogram (EKG) will be taken while at rest.
Blood pressure and pulse and will be monitored before, during and following the test.
The Nuclear Medicine Technician will inject a small amount of Technetium-99m (Sestamibi) during the test.
Sestamibi enables a specialized camera to view how well the blood is getting to the heart muscle. (This is not a dye).

During the Test – Day 2:
This test will be completed in approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Upon arrival, you will receive an injection of Sestamibi followed by a 1 hour wait.
You are to eat a light, fatty meal during this hour wait.
The blood flow to your heart will then be viewed and recorded, same as Day 1 of the test.

The information found on this site is general in nature and some of it may not apply to your specific situation. The information is also subject to change as medical knowledge advances and new methods of treatment are developed.

We encourage you to discuss your condition and treatment with your physician. Do not hesitate to contact your physician if you have any questions.

These instructions do not take the place of directions given to you by your MD.