Adenosine SestaMibi

An adenosine sestamibi scan is a pharmacological stress test and evaluates the blood flow throughout the heart.

The test is done at North Shore Private Hospital in the Radiology and Nuclear Medicine department.

After the test is explained to you a technologist will insert a cannula and inject a small dose of nuclear tracer called sestamibi. Approximately 45 minutes later you will be positioned under a specialised camera which will take scans of your heart. This takes about half an hour. A doctor will further discuss the test with you prior to you being taken to the stress stesting laboratory at the North Shore Cardiac Centre.

In the stress laboratory, a technician will place several ECG dots on your chest and take your blood pressure. The doctor will then inject adenosine through the cannula over several minutes. Adenosine enlarges the arteries which supply blood into your heart. Your doctor will carefully monitor you during this period. A few minutes later the doctor will give you an injection of another small dose of sestamibi through the cannula. You will be taken back to Radiology and Nuclear Medicine. About 30-60 minutes later you will be positioned under the camera again for a similar set of scans of your heart.

The total time of the test may take up to 5 hours. Fasting is required for the test and suspension of some medication may be required. You will be given individual instructions.

To book an appointment please call (02) 9460 8722