DESCRIPTION AND PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS STRESS TEST PREPARATION FOR ALL TYPES OF STRESS TEST You may NOT eat for at least 4 hours prior to the test. You are allowed to drink only water. If you take insulin or pills for diabetes, contact your doctor for instructions for taking your medication the day of the test. Because you will be fasting, your blood sugar may drop. DO NOT take any medications the day of the test (if your physican permits). You may bring them with you to the office. Wear loose, comfortable clothing: shirt, jeans, slacks, shorts, or sweatpants work best. DO NOT wear pantyhose, DO NOT wear one-piece outfits, DO NOT wear shirts with metal straps or metal ornaments. Wear shoes that are comfortable for walking. DO NOT wear shoes that are heavy, have heels or slick soles. Ask your doctor if you are taking a beta-blocker. If you are, it will need to be held for approximately 48 hours prior to the test, if your physican permits (for example: toprol, lopressor, metoprolol, betapace, sotolol, atenolol, tenormin, ziac, inderal, zebeta, are just a few). CARDIOLITE (NUCLEAR) (EXERCISE OR NON-EXERCISE) If you are having any type of Cardiolite (Nuclear) Stress Test (Exercise or Non-Exercise) please follow these preparation instructions in addition to the ones above. The medication for this test must be ordered one day in advance. If you cancel the test with less than 24 hours notice, you may be charged for the medication. You will spend approximately 3-4 hours with us the day of the test, so plan your day accordingly. An IV will be started in your arm when you arrive. Injections of a tracer will be given through this line. You may resume normal activity after the test. DO NOT consume coffee, tea, chocolate or any other products containing caffeine for 12-24 hours before the test. If you are unsure of the caffeine content of any medications you are taking, consult your pharmacist. You may bring a light snack (bagel, muffin, juice) that may be eaten halfway through the test. Be sure to tell the technologist if you have asthma or emphysema or are taking theophylline-containing medications. Any of these circumstances might make it necessary to perform a different type of stress test. Be sure to tell the technologist if there is any chance you are pregnant or if you are breast feeding since this might require a different type of stress test. Back to Office Procedures