One of the most common nuclear medicine procedures is a stress test.

A stress test typically evaluates functions of the heart during periods of rest and periods of activity as a means of tracing functions such as blood flow. A stress test includes the IV injection of a radioactive tracer followed by imaging taken during rest on a table under a gamma camera for 15-20 minutes. Then after walking on a treadmill, another set of images will be taken under the gamma camera. Appointments typically last 2 to 3 hours.

PET CT

Positron emission tomography, also called PET imaging or a PET scan, is a type of nuclear medicine imaging. Positron emission tomography (PET) uses small amounts of radioactive materials called radiotracers or radiopharmaceuticals, a special camera and a computer to evaluate organ and tissue functions. By identifying changes at the cellular level, PET may detect the early onset of disease before other imaging tests can.

It is important to check with your physician for instructions on how to prepare for the stress test. You will be asked not to eat or drink for a set period before the exam. You will also need to avoid caffeine and over-the-counter medicines. If you have diabetes, asthma or take heart medications you may be asked not to take them prior to the exam.

Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes for the exam. Do not apply oil, lotion or cream to your skin on the day of the nuclear stress test. The stress test can be performed alone or in combination with other nuclear medicine exams.