Myocardial Perfusion Scan
Fee Schedule
CT Coronary Diagnostic Tests
Myocardial Perfusion Scan (MPS)
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Self funded
£1250
Insured
Billed directly
What to expect
A myocardial perfusion scan (sometimes called a Thallium, MIBI Tetrofosmin or Technetium scan) is used to understand how well your heart muscle is being supplied with blood. It is a test that has been used since the 1970s and was approved by NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) in 2003.
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The test is normally in 2 parts
How the scan is broken down
1. Stress
An injection that mimics exercise followed by an Isotope injection. This is followed by scan 45 to 60 mins later.
2. Rest
A second injection of Isotope followed by a second scan 45 to 60 mins later.​
If you have 2 scans on the same day the process will take 4 to 6 hours.
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Stress; Exercise Injection
During the test, we will give you an injection that mimics some of the effects exercise has on the heart. During the exercise we will also give you an injection of a small amount of radioactive tracer (Isotope) so that we can take images of your heart muscle and see the blood flow to it.
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Scan
For the scan we will ask you to lie flat and still on a couch with both your arms above your head. The scanner moves slowly around your chest and the scan will take about 25 minutes.
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The second scan will be taken 3 to 4 hours after the first scan or possibly on a separate day.
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Please read below for more important information
How to prepare for the scan
It is very important that you do not eat or drink anything that contains caffeine for 24 hours before the test.
Caffeine affects the medication used during the scan.
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The following contain caffeine and so must be avoided for the 24 hours before your scan:
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Caffeines to avoid
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• Tea and coffee (this includes green tea and decaffeinated varieties which still contain small amounts of caffeine)
• Chocolate
• Colas and some other drinks including energy or sports drinks (please read the ingredients label carefully)
• Some cold and flu relief medications and some other medications (check the labels carefully)
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You can otherwise eat and drink normally. You may feel more comfortable during the scan if you have a light breakfast or lunch. You may also want to bring a light snack with you.​
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Medications​
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It is extremely important that you bring a list of all the drugs, inhalers or sprays you take (including over the counter medicines) or bring them with you. If you are taking beta blockers please continue taking them.
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We cannot carry out your scan unless we know all the drugs you are taking
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• If you need to take any medication while you are with us please bring this with you.
• If you take a medication called dipyridamole (as found in Persantin, Asasantin or Aminophylline/ Theophylline) you will need to stop taking this for 48 hours before the scan.
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All other medications can be taken as normal.
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If you are diabetic please continue with your normal meal times and medications but please remember not to have any food or drink containing caffeine.
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If you have any questions regarding your medications please call 020 8934 6381.
How to be referred
GP or Other Healthcare Professional:
Your GP or another clinician can refer you by sending a referral letter or completing our referral form and emailing it to info@heartsure.co.uk. Please confirm with your doctor whether you are self funding or using private health insurance.
Self Referral:
You can self refer by completing our self referral form or contacting our team. Please check with your insurer first if you plan to use private health insurance, as some policies require a GP referral.
Clinic Availibility
Our cardiologists run clinics throughout the week. Contact us and we will guide you to the most suitable consultant.
Covering your care
Heartsure provides competitive pricing. You can cover your care through private health insurance or by self funding.
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Private Health Insurance:
We work with all major UK insurers. Please confirm your cover and obtain an authorisation code before your appointment. If you cannot see your insurer listed, contact us.
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Self Funding:
You can pay by card, bank transfer, or secure online payment. Self funding patients must complete our Fees and Insurance form. Our fee guide is available on our website.
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More information:
For more information about MPS scans, find a detailed guide here.
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