Preparing for Your Diagnostic Test
Find out what to expect, how to prepare and what to bring for your appointment.
Carotid Doppler
A test that uses ultrasound waves to create pictures of the insides of the two carotid arteries of your neck. These arteries supply your brain with oxygen-rich blood. A carotid doppler shows whether plaque has narrowed your carotid arteries.
A carotid doppler is a painless test that uses ultrasound waves to create pictures of the insides of the two carotid arteries of your neck. These arteries supply your brain with oxygen-rich blood. A carotid doppler shows whether plaque has narrowed your carotid arteries.
You will be asked to put on a gown for this test. You will lie on an examination bed and the technologist will apply a water-based ultrasound gel to your neck. They will use a wand called a transducer device will be pressed onto your neck to produce images of your arteries.
You will be asked to turn your chin to the side during the test. You may experience some pressure from the device as we try to get the best possible images.
After the test you may resume normal activities after the test is completed. A copy of your test findings will be sent to the referring doctor to discuss with you.
What to bring to your test:
- Alberta Health Care card and government-issued photo ID are required for this test to be completed.
- If you require a translator, please bring one with your to your appointment.
Day of your test:
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment.
- Please take your medications as prescribed.
- You may eat as you normally would.
- Do not apply body lotions, creams or powders to your neck and remove all necklaces and chains.
- A Holter monitor or blood pressure monitor may be word during this test but if an echocardiogram is also being done during your appointment, the monitor cannot be worn.
- Arrange for childcare – for safety reasons children are not allowed in the lab area and cannot be left unattended in the waiting room.
- This test takes up to 20 – 30 minutes to complete.
If you need to cancel, please call 403-571-8640 at least 24 hours in advance to reschedule. No shows will be charged a cancellation fee.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram (or echo) uses ultrasound to create images of the heart. The sound waves show the function of your heart valves, the pumping action of your heart, and can detect any abnormalities.
Exercise Stress Test
An exercise stress test looks at your heart and its response to increased workloads (activity) or stress. This is done by walking on a treadmill at different speeds and incline levels.
Holter Monitor
A Holter monitor is a continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) that shows how your heart reacts to activity throughout the day while performing normal daily activities.
Myocardial Perfusion Imaging (MPI)
This test shows how blood flows through the heart and if there are any blockages. There are two parts to this test – an exercise and a rest portion. Each part will take about between 1–1.5 hours to complete with a 3–4-hour break in between (approximately 5 to 6 hours in total).
Patient | Clinic Questionnaire (RACC)
(Not required for diagnostic tests)
If you have been asked to complete a patient questionnaire, click the button to download the form. Please print, fill in, and bring the completed questionnaire to your first appointment.
Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
For information on the cardiac rehabilitation program, click the button below to be redirected to visit the program's website.
