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Radiology back to Nuclear Medicine
MIBI SCAN
An exercise MIBI scan will show if coronary artery disease is present.
Coronary artery disease is a narrowing of the blood vessels that supply
oxygen to the heart muscle. If the heart muscle does not receive
adequate oxygen, chest pain or angina can result. During the test,
MIBI is used to take pictures of the heart. The substance is injected
into your bloodstream and travels to the heart muscle through the coronary
arteries.
Preparation:
- Do not eat or drink anything containing caffeine for 24 hours before
the test. This includes coffee, tea, colas and chocolate.
- Do not smoke for two hours before this test.
- Do not eat anything for at least two hours before this test.
- You may drink water at any time.
- Follow your doctor's instructions regarding medication. You may
be asked to decrease or stop certain medicines for this test. You
should resume your regular medicines after completion of the test.
Please bring a complete listing of all medicines with you.
- If you are diabetic and take insulin, please consult the doctor who
manages your insulin for advice regarding dosage before and after this
test. Please bring your insulin and syringes to the hospital so you
can take the dose recommended by your doctor.
- Please wear comfortable clothes that break at the waist ( a shirt or a
blouse) and flat walking shoes or sneakers. Sneaker are strongly
recommended. Electrodes will be placed on your chest so that your
heart can be monitored during exercise. Women must remove their bras
for the procedure. If you wear an unusually large or small size of
clothing, please bring your own T-shirt and pants. You will be
working hard during this test. Comfortable clothing is recommended.
Procedure: There are three parts to the MIBI Scan.
- An intravenous (IV) line will be inserted in your arm. This is
similar to a pinprick when having blood drawn. The MIBI is then
injected through the IV. You will not feel anything from this
injection. You will wait approximately 30 minutes until the MIBI
circulates in your body. For approximately 15 minutes, while you are
lying down, we will take pictures of your heart with a special camera.
- You will be asked to exercise by walking on a treadmill. Your
heart will be monitored with an EKG. Your blood pressure will be
taken many times during this part of the test.
- Pictures will be taken again, this time with the MIBI circulating in
the blood. You will be asked to lie down as before. The camera
will take pictures for approximately 15 minutes.
The test takes approximately 3 1/2 to 4 hours.
Your physician will explain the results to you.
Nuclear medicine procedures are very safe. Your body is able to
quickly eliminate the radioactive materials used. The radiation dose
from this test is approximately the same dose that you receive from most
routine X-rays. |
