Virginia Cardiovascular Specialists

                    TEST INSTRUCTIONS

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS: If you are unable to make your scheduled appointment, please call the office by 3:00 p.m. the day prior to your test.  Missing a scheduled Nuclear Stress test may result in a $150 charge. Wear com­fortable walking shoes and two-piece clothing (without metal snaps). Do not wear jewelry. Bring all medications, or a list of medications for review. Friends/family are welcome to accompany you to the office but are not allowed in the testing area due to our privacy policy. Test results will be communicated to you by your physician.

TEST-SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS:

NUCLEAR STRESS TESTS

If you are severely claustrophobic, cannot lay flat, or cannot raise your left arm over your head, please call the office. Do not eat or drink anything, including water, for 4 hours prior to your test. Do not use any caffeine, de-caf, or nicotine for 12 hours prior to the test (including some medications). Medications should be taken as directed by your physician. Diabetic patients with early morning appointments, may take 1/2 of your insulin dose with juice and dry toast. If you use an inhaler, please bring it with you to your test. Allow approximately 2-4 hours for the test.

 

MUGA

No preparation is required. Allow approximately 90 minutes for the test.

 

STRESS ECHOCARDIOGRAM

Do not eat or drink anything, including water, for 3 hours prior to the test. Allow approximately 90 minutes for the test.

 

EXERCISE STRESS TEST (TREADMILL ONLY)

Do not eat or drink anything, including water, for 3 hours prior to the test. Allow approximately 1 hour for the test.

 

VASCULAR STUDIES

No preparation is required for most studies. Allow approximately 1 hour for the test. Renal/Abdominal Vessel Studies require the following preparation: No food after midnight the night before the test. For late afternoon testing, have dry toast and clear liquids for an early breakfast. Take your normal medications with small sips of water. Take Gas-X the night before and the morning of the test. Allow approximately 1 hour for the test.

 

ECHOCARDIOGRAM

No preparation is required. Allow approximately 1 hour for the test.

 

EKG

No preparation is required. Allow approximately 15 minutes for the test.

 

CT HEART SCAN

No preparation is required. Allow approximately 30 minutes for the test.