Myocardial Perfusion Scan

What is a MIBI – Myocardial Perfusion Scan

A Myocardial Perfusion scan evaluates coronary artery disease by assessing the blood flow to the heart muscle both at rest and at stress.

What are the benefits of a Myocardial Perfusion Scan

• Identify areas of reduced blood flow or blockages through the heart
• Understand blood distribution through the heart at rest and when the heart has had exertion or stress
• Non-invasive
• Bulk-billed

What are the risks of a Myocardial Perfusion Scan

• Not suitable for pregnant women
• Breastfeeding must be stopped for 24 hours post-test to allow time for the radioactive tracer to decay and exit the body.

Preparation

• Consult with your referring doctor as to what medications you should withhold on the morning of the test
• NO CAFFEINE 24 hours prior to the test – this includes tea, coffee, milo, chocolate
• A light breakfast 2 hours prior to the test
• Please inform our staff if you are diabetic, as we may have some necessary information and instructions regarding your preparation

How long does a Myocardial Perfusion Scan take

• Normally around 3 hours. This can differ from practice to practice
• There are 3 parts to the test therefore you may have a small necessary wait period between each part

The Myocardial Perfusion Scan procedure

Part 1: REST Scan: You will be given a small injection of a radioactive tracer that is taken up by the heart muscle. This injection shouldn’t make you feel any different. Following a short wait (10-30 minutes), images will be acquired of your heart. This part of the test takes 30-60 minutes.

Part 2: STRESS test: This involves exercise on a treadmill or bike. An injection of medication is used for this part of the test if you are unable to exercise. Your blood pressure and ECG are monitored during this phase of the test. Another injection of radioactive tracer is administered at the time of peak stress.

Part 3: STRESS Scan: A second set of images of your heart are taken after a wait of 20-60 minutes. This part of the test can take 45-120 minutes to complete.

After your examination

After your Myocardial Perfusion scan you may continue with your day as normal. There will be no restrictions.

It is recommended that you minimise close contact with others (especially babies and small children) for up to 4 hours.

What happens to my results, Images and report

All images for your study will be available on the myPRP patient portal soon after your examination is complete. A report that includes a link to your study will be sent directly to your referring doctor. PRP Imaging will store digital copies of all studies on our secure database for comparison with any future examinations.

Normal and abnormal studies are both important for your management and PRP Imaging encourages you to return to your doctor for review of the results.