Do not eat or drink any fluid that is not considered clear for four hours prior to your appointment.

What to expect

Please check in with our reception staff on arrival. You will then be taken to a change room where you will be given a gown. This is to allow heart rate monitoring leads to be attached to your chest, as the scanner will operate in time with your heart beat.

At the time of the scan you will be positioned on the scanner bed and the monitoring leads attached. The bed will pass through the scanner opening and you will be asked to breath hold for a few seconds as the images are obtained. There is no need for any needles or injection.

Once the scan is compete you will be able to continue your normal day. Unless you are sensitive to the heart rate monitoring dots on your chest there will be no after effects.

Our radiologists will write a same day report for your doctor who will be able to explain the results and implications for you.

You can expect a total of 20-40 minutes to complete your scan with us. The scan itself is very quick.

Preparation

Please do not drink caffeinated products or smoke for 6 hours prior to your appointment.

There is no other special preparation for the scan.

Two piece clothing is recommended for convenience.

What to expect

Please check in with our reception staff on arrival. You will then be taken to a change room where you will be given a gown. This is to allow heart rate monitoring leads to be attached to your chest, as the scanner will operate in time with your heart beat.

Both your heart rate and your blood pressure will be checked. For best results we aim for a heart rate of 65 beats per minute or less.

If your heart rate is too high you may be asked to take a medication to further slow your heart rate (most often a beta blocker), and you will need to wait while this takes effect. If your heart rate is not controlled on arrival it may take an hour or so to achieve the required heart rate.

The examination requires the injection of contrast (an x-ray dye), which is needed to opacify the arteries of the heart. The staff will complete a safety check list with you to make sure you have no allergies or other issues that impact the safety of giving the dye.

At the time of the scan you will be positioned on the scanner bed and the monitoring leads attached. A small cannula/drip will be inserted into your arm for the contrast. Sometimes a further dose of beta blocker will be injected into the veins, if required.

Immediately prior to the scan you will be given a medication called GTN under your tongue. This medication helps open out the heart arteries for the scan. Some people may experience a passing headache from this medication.

The bed will pass through the scanner opening and you will be asked to breath hold for a few seconds as the images are obtained. As the contrast dye is injected it is normal to fell a warm flush through your body. The scan itself is very quick.

The images will be reviewed for quality, and if satisfactory you will be taken to rest for a further 30 minutes. This is a safety measure to ensure there is no contrast reaction, and that you feel normal prior to leaving us.

At the end of this time the cannula will be removed from your arm.

You can then continue your normal day. There are usually no significant after effects of the scan.

Our radiologists will write a report for your doctor who will be able to explain the results and implications for you.

You can expect a total of 60-120 minutes to complete your scan with us. The length of your stay with us is in large part determined by the time needed for heart rate control.

Preparation

Your doctor may have provided you with tablets (beta blockers) to take the night prior to and the morning of the scan to slow your heart rate. Please take these as instructed by your doctor.

You must avoid stimulants for the 12 hours prior to the scan, including caffeine. Please do not drink coffee, any teas, soft drinks or energy drinks. Chocolate and smoking should also be avoided. Also avoid strenuous exercise prior to the scan. These measures are to assist in keeping your heart rate low.

Please fast for the 4 hours prior to the scan. You may continue to drink water.

Do not take tablets for erectile dysfunction for 72 hours prior to the scan (viagra, sildenafil, cialis, levitra). These medications can interact with those used during the scan.

Please bring a list of your current medications to your appointment.

Two piece clothing is recommended for convenience.

Do not eat for four hours prior to your appointment.