Book a myocardial perfusion scan
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A myocardial perfusion scan shows blood flow to the heart muscle at rest and under stress. Learn how to prepare, including avoiding caffeine, and how Medicare applies.
Also called: nuclear stress test, MPS, MPI, sestamibi scan, heart perfusion scan
Find a clinic for your myocardial perfusion scan
16 clinics offer bulk billing for nuclear medicine — eligibility varies
Where to get a myocardial perfusion scan
16 clinics across Melbourne and Victoria on Radly offer nuclear medicine. Myocardial perfusion scan is a specialised exam, so check with the clinic that it offers it when you send your request.
Nuclear Medicine clinics on Radly
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What is a myocardial perfusion scan?
A myocardial perfusion scan (MPS) shows how well blood reaches your heart muscle. A small amount of tracer is injected, and pictures are taken at rest and after stress — either exercise on a treadmill or bike, or medication that mimics exercise if you can't exercise.
Comparing the rest and stress pictures shows whether any part of the heart muscle gets less blood during effort, which can point to narrowed coronary arteries. The test is often split into two parts, sometimes on two different days.
Why your doctor might request a myocardial perfusion scan
- Chest pain or breathlessness on exertion
- Assessing known coronary artery disease
- Checking heart blood flow before major surgery
- Follow-up after stents or bypass surgery
Myocardial perfusion scan: preparation, referral & Medicare
Preparing for your myocardial perfusion scan
- Avoid caffeine (coffee, tea including decaf, cola, energy drinks, chocolate) for 24 hours — it interferes with the stress medication
- You may be asked to fast for a few hours beforehand
- Ask your doctor whether to pause any heart medications; don't stop anything without advice
- Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes for the exercise part
- Bring your medication list and a snack for after the stress part
How long it takes: About 3–5 hours in total, sometimes split over two days
Referral, Medicare & bulk billing
A myocardial perfusion scan needs a referral. Medicare rebates apply when specific clinical criteria are met, and the clinic may ask for details from your referrer. Requests outside the criteria may be private. The clinic will confirm whether your referral is Medicare-eligible. Booking through Radly sends a request, and the clinic confirms the time with you.
How it works
Get your referral
Most scans need a referral from your GP, specialist, or other health practitioner.
Compare clinics
Find clinics near you for your myocardial perfusion scan and compare bulk billing, reviews, and location.
Send your request
Share your preferred timing and send the clinic your details and referral when available.
Clinic confirms
The clinic reviews your request and confirms your appointment and any preparation needed.
If the clinic hasn’t acknowledged your request after 24 hours, Radly will follow up. We check in by SMS during daytime hours where SMS is available and you haven’t opted out. Reply N if you haven’t been contacted and our team will follow up. Acknowledgment does not mean an appointment is booked.
Myocardial perfusion scan FAQs
Why can't I have caffeine before a nuclear stress test?
Caffeine blocks the effect of the stress medication and can make the test unreliable. Avoid it for 24 hours, including decaf.
What if I can't exercise on a treadmill?
A medication can be given through a cannula to stress the heart instead. Staff monitor you closely throughout.
How long does a nuclear stress test take?
Allow 3–5 hours. Some clinics split it across two days.
How do I book a myocardial perfusion scan online?
Choose a clinic on Radly, select Nuclear Medicine as your scan, add your preferred timing and attach your referral, then send your booking request. The clinic contacts you to confirm the appointment and any preparation.
How soon can I get a myocardial perfusion scan?
Appointments for nuclear medicine are usually within 1–2 weeks, depending on the clinic and the exam. You can send a request on Radly at any time, and the clinic replies with its next available time.
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