What is a cardiac scan?
A cardiac scan is a nuclear medicine test that looks at the blood supply to the muscles of the heart. This is called the myocardium. This test is done in 2 parts. It is called a rest and stress scan. We will get the rest scan while the heart is in resting condition. The stress scan is taken when the heart is working hard. This is achieved by using certain medicine (pharmacological stress).
The 2 scans are then compared to look for differences. This is to show areas of poor blood flow or no blood flow to any part of the heart.
Is it safe?
The liquid (radionuclides) used in nuclear medicine for are generally safe. They have short half-life and leave your body naturally like through urine. To get your cardiac scan we need to inject “radiopharmaceutical”. This means a small amount of radioactivity is mixed with a pharmaceutical, which is specific for heart. The small radiation risk is outweighed by the information that will be get from the scan.
Do I need to have this scan?
A doctor will have checked the request to make sure this is the best test for you. If you have any concerns or would like further information contact the department where you are having your scan. If you do not understand why you need to have this scan speak to the doctor who referred you.
What if I am pregnant or breast-feeding?
Due to radiation risk to unborn child, this scan should not be done if you are pregnant. If you know that you are pregnant, or there is any chance that you may be pregnant, then please contact the department on following numbers. Your scan will need to be postponed. Also let us know if you are breast-feeding. We have special instructions for you:
Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle: 01228 814701
West Cumberland Hospital, Whitehaven: 01946 523456
How do I prepare for my cardiac scan?
- It is very important to AVOID taking CAFFEINE for 24 hours before the test. This is because caffeine can interfere with the test. You may not get the best results. Tea, coffee, fizzy drinks, green tea, chocolate and some medicines for cold and some painkillers have Caffeine in. De-caffeinated drinks can still contain enough caffeine to affect the test.
- You must have a light breakfast 2 hours before your appointment time for your rest and stress test.
- Take your medication as normal
- Wear top or shirt that does not have any metals like a zip or metal buttons.
- Remove metal objects from your neck and chest area.
What will happen?
Your Injection
Stress Test: During the stress part of the test, a few ECG leads will be attached to your chest and limbs. This is to monitor your blood pressure. A needle (cannula) will be put in one of your arms and a drug (stress pharmaceutical) will be injected. This will mimic a response that you would usually see after running on a treadmill for few minutes. When the peak effect of that drug is recorded a small amount of liquid (radioactive tracer) will be injected. After the injection you will have to wait for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. The clinical staff will let you know the approximate time for the scan. Our team will keep you under observation during the whole time.
Rest Test: A small liquid (radioactive tracer) will be injected using a small needle. You will then wait for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Your Scan
The scan is done using a hybrid scanner called SPECT/CT system. It consists of 2 camera head detectors and a CT scanner. It is not fully closed system. The camera heads will be close to you. As these detectors have touch sensors they stop moving when they sense your body. This means it is unlikely to touch your body. Before your scan starts you will be asked to remove all metal objects from neck and chest area. Then you will need to lie flat on your back on a special couch. We will try our best to make you feel comfortable and relaxed.
A technologist will explain the procedure before starting the scan. We will attach some ECG leads to your chest. We will be in the control room at all times. You will not feel anything during the scan. There are no after-effects of this scan. If you feel any discomfort at any time please let us know.
The scan can take about 20 minutes. It is very important that you keep still during the scan. If you think that you will find this difficult speak to someone in the department before your appointment.
After Your Scan
When your scan is finished the technologist will get you off the scanner. You may continue all your normal activities unless you have been told not to.
A tiny amount of radioactivity will still be left in your body. This will not be a significant risk to other people around you. The radioactivity will break down on its own. For the rest of the day we suggest that you:
- Try to keep any time that you spend with pregnant women, babies and small children as short as possible. Stay at arm’s length. There is no need to stop giving children essential love and care.
- Drink plenty of liquids. This will help clear the radioactivity more quickly.
Travelling Abroad
It is perfectly safe for you to travel abroad after your scan. Many airports and seaports have very sensitive radiation detectors. It is possible that the very small amount of radioactivity left in your body could set off an alarm as you go through security. If you are going to travel abroad within 1 week after your scan, it will be helpful to take with you something to explain that you have recently had this scan. This can be your appointment letter or some other official confirmation from the department where you had your scan.
Your Results
A nuclear medicine physician / radiologist will report your cardiac scan. The report will be sent to the doctor who asked for your scan rather than to your GP. Unless your GP asked for the scan. This is because the doctor who asked for your scan will have all the results from other tests. They will be able to tell you how the result of your scan affects your care plan.
Confidentiality
‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.
For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:
Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961
Feedback
We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:
pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818
If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:
complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302