Dobutamine Myocardial Perfusion Scan

Dobutamine myocardial perfusion imaging (DOB MIBI)

Dobutamine is a drug which essentially simulates the heart rate changes that occur during exercise.The Dobutamine is given by a constant intravenous infusion. The heart rate will increase and the force of contraction of the heart will become stronger as increasing doses of Dobutamine are administered. 


Prior to the Dobutamine MIBI a Registered Nurse will take a brief history including medication history and symptoms, ask you about your risk factors (high blood pressure, cholesterol level, smoking, diabetes, etc…) and then explain the test to you. You will then be examined to make sure there is no reason to cancel the Dobutamine MIBI. Once this is completed you will be asked to sign a consent form. It is important you bring all of your medications
or an up to date list. 


The Registered Nurse will then prepare the skin so the Electrocardiogram (ECG) can monitor your heart rhythm continuously throughout the test. 


Following this, an intravenous line will be established for the delivery of Dobutamine using an infusion pump and a specific protocol whereby the drug dose is gradually increased. If during the Dobutamine infusion it becomes obvious to the Registered Nurse that the heart rate response is inadequate a drug called Atropine will be given to increase the heart rate. The Dobutamine test is heart rate and symptom limited. If you feel you are not tolerating the Dobutamine well and would like to terminate the infusion the Registered Nurse will do so.  


During your Dobutamine MIBI there is always an experienced Physician immediately available. All the necessary resuscitation equipment and emergency medications are readily available.  


  1. No caffeine, decaffeinated or chocolate products for 24 hours prior to test. (This includes Tylenol #1,2,3, or 4, Excedrin, coffee, tea, soft drinks –  both diet and decaf, and chocolate.) If unsure, it is best to avoid.
  2. Do not eat or drink 2 hours prior to your appointment, except for water.
  3. Bring an updated list of your allergies and medications (including inhalers). Let us know if you have asthma, COPD, or bronchitis.
  4. Your doctor may tell you to stop your beta-blocker, or calcium channel blocker, for 48 hours before the test (see list below).Only do this if you have been instructed to do so.
  5. No nitrates on the day of test. This includes Isordil, Nitro-Dur patch.  you may use nitro spray if you are experiencing chest pain.
  6. The following drugs must be discontinued for 24 hours prior to your test.  This includes Aggrenox, theophylline, Theo-dur, Assantine, Persantine, dipyridamole and caffeine.
  7. Bring at least one sandwich, snacks, and a water bottle for this test unless you can go out and eat.

  8.  You must be able to raise your left arm above your forehead for approx. 10-15 minutes to obtain adequate images of the heart. Notify the clinic if are unable to raise your left arm prior to your appointment.

  9. This test consists of TWO Parts over the 4 hours.  **Remember no caffeine 24 hours prior to test. No food or drinks 2 hours prior to test except water. 

Part 1: You will receive an injection via intravenous of a radioactive tracer.  You will then have a 60-minute break before your first scan.

Part 2: You will receive an injection (dobutamine) to stress your heart.  This is followed by a 60-minute break before your second and final scan. During this break you will eat and drink.

*If possible you will be encouraged to take your two breaks outside the clinic. We understand that this will not be an option for everyone.


Any questions, please contact 613-544-3242, ext 2


BETA-BLOCKERS:                                                                                                 CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKERS:

Atenolol, Tenorum, Tenoretic                                                                         Diltiazem, Cardizem, Tiazac, Verapamil, Isoptin, Chrona Vera

Metoprolol, Lopressor

Bisoprolol, Monocor

Acebutolol                                                                                                                  NITRATES: 

Nadolo, Cogard                                                                                                         NitroDur patch, Mintran, Isordil, Nitrong SR

Propranolol, Inderal

Sotolol, Sotacoe

Timolol

Carvedilol


NOTE: If you have chest pain/angina, use your Nitro!