• One minute prior to the end of exercise, the Thallium radioisotope tracer will be injected through the I.V. line. As the tracer enter the blood stream is carried directly to the heart. The Thallium will be visualized by a special camera that can detect radiation.
• Your ECG, heart rate and blood pressure will be monitored for a few minutes after the exercise portion of the Myocardial Perfusion Test is completed.
• The technologist will then position you under the camera and begin taking pictures (imaging). You will be lying on your back with your left arm over your head. The camera will be moved very close to your chest. You may receive either a Planer or a SPECT procedure. The Planer technique involves 3 images at different angles. Each picture will take about 5 minutes. During a SPECT procedure, the camera moves slowly around your chest in an arc-like fashion. The camera will acquire an image for 30-45 seconds and then it will move. The entire SPECT procedure will last approximately 20 minutes. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO REMAIN COMPLETELY STILL WHILE THE PICTURES ARE BEING TAKEN!
• After the first set of images have been completed, you are free to leave the examination room. You will need to return for a duplicate set of pictures in approximately 4 hours. This will allow the doctor to compare your heart under stress and at rest. The technologist will inform you about the restrictions between the 2 sets of pictures.
• This is usually the end of the Myocardial Perfusion Test. Our physician will discuss the results of the test with your personal physician and submit a written report. Your personal physician will then explain the results of the Myocardial Perfusion Test and their implications to you.

Note: Thallium is a radioactive tracer material. It is not a dye. Short term safety studies have been performed and show a large margin of safety.

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