Viability Study
What is a viability study?
A viability study, or viability scan, is a test used to evaluate the blood flow to the heart
muscle to distinguish between living myocardium (heart muscle) and areas that are scarred
and unrecoverable. Hibernating myocardium may be indistinguishable through traditional
imaging techniques. A nuclear viability study uses a radioactive tracer and special imaging
equipment to identify hibernating but living myocardium.
Why is this test performed?
The test is used to find any areas of hibernating myocardium following heart attack or
other damage not related to coronary artery disease.
Patient Preparation Instructions:
There is no special preparation required for this test; there are no medication or food
restrictions. Wear comfortable clothes that can be easily removed, as you may be asked to
wear a hospital gown during the test.
What happens during the test?
• You should arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
• Before the test, lab personnel will explain the procedure in detail, including possible
complications or side effects. Please take this opportunity to ask any questions you may
have.
• Your test will take place in the Nuclear Cardiology Department. The clinical care area is
under physician supervision.
• You will be given a hospital gown to wear and asked to remove your clothing from the
waist up.
• Lab personnel will gently rub three small areas on your chest and place special patches
or electrodes on these areas. These electrodes are attached to an electrocardiograph
(ECG) monitor that displays your heart’s electrical activity.
• An intravenous line (IV) will be inserted into a vein in your arm.
• You will be injected with a radioactive tracer that will allow your heart to be seen under
a special imaging machine called a gamma camera. No symptoms or allergic reaction
are possible with the tracer. The camera will image your heart for about 20 minutes.
• You will return to the department about four hours after the injection and repeat the
images.
• The IV will be removed from your arm once the test is completed.