The purpose of this test is to determine if the heart is able to trigger a fast ventricular heart rhythm. The procedure is painless and non-invasive.
If you have a specific question about Late Potential-Signal Averaging testing, visit our Late Potential-Signal Averaging Test FAQs for more information.
To schedule a Late Potential Signal Averaging Test, call Central Scheduling at (732) 294-2778.

During this simple, 10-minute procedure, a sensor is placed on the chest area near the pacemaker pocket. Information about the pacemaker is then recorded using a special magnet.
If you have a specific question about Pacemaker Evaluation, visit our Pacemaker Evaluation FAQs for more information.
To schedule a Pacemaker Evaluation, call Central Scheduling at (732) 294-2778.

Q: How often must I get my pacemaker checked?
A: You must get your pacemaker checked regularly during the years after it is implanted or your generator is replaced.

As a general guideline, get your pacemaker checked every month for the first three months and then every three months until replacement, or change of heart rate.

Your physician may also determine when your pacemaker should be evaluated or reprogrammed.

Throughout this test and for a period of time following, an EKG (electrocardiogram) is taken. A persantine solution and a thallium solution are given to the patient through an I.V. (intravenously). The patient lies on a table under a rotating camera for approximately 25 minutes, after which the patient is allowed to leave the test and eat.
After eating, the patient is asked to return to the Nuclear Medicine Department for approximately 20 minutes for another series of pictures. A physician and nurse will accompany the patient during the test.
If you have a specific question about Persantine Thallium (Non-Stress) testing, visit our Persantine Thallium (Non-Stress) Test FAQs for more information.
To schedule a Persantine Thallium Test, call Central Scheduling at (732) 294-2778.

Q: How do I find out my test results?
A: Your doctor will have the results of your test within one to two days. Your doctor will explain the results, talk with you about an exercise program and, if necessary, suggest further testing or treatment.

Q: How do I prepare for the Persantine Thallium Test?
A: Patients should avoid eating for six to eight hours before the test. Your doctor will instruct you about certain medications to avoid.

The Thallium Stress Test is similar to the EKG Stress Test except that thallium is injected into the patient's vein to give the doctor more information about blood flow to the heart.
If you have a specific question about Thallium Stress testing, visit our Thallium Stress Test FAQs for more information.
To schedule a Thallium Stress Test, call Central Scheduling at (732) 294-2778.

Q: How do I find out my test results?
A: Your doctor will have the results of your test within 1 to 2 days. Your doctor will explain the results, talk with you about an exercise program and, if necessary, suggest further testing or treatment.

Q: How do I prepare for the Thallium Stress Test?
A: The guidelines for this test are the same as for the EKG Stress Test, except that patients should not eat for 8 hours before the test.

Q: What happens during the Thallium Stress Test?
A: Toward the end of the stress test, a small amount of radioactive thallium is injected into the vein. The amount of radiation from this injection is minimal.

The patient then lies on a table under a rotating camera. Two sets of film are taken showing the blood flow to the heart-one immediately following exercise and one after resting. The physician compares the two sets of film.

The Transesophageal Echocardiogram (Tee) is an invasive diagnostic procedure used to detect abnormalities in the internal structure of the heart muscle.
If you have a specific question about Transesophageal Echocardiogram testing, visit our Transesophageal Echocardiogram FAQs for more information.
To schedule a Tee Echocardiogram, call Central Scheduling at (732) 294-2778.

Q: How do I prepare for the Tee Echocardiogram?
A: Patients should avoid taking anything by mouth for six to eight hours before the test. Patients with dentures should remove them. There is a short recovery period after the test. If you are taking the test as an outpatient, you must arrange for a companion to drive you home.

Q: What happens during the Tee Echocardiogram?
A: During the test, an ultrasound transducer is passed through the mouth and down the esophagus to view the heart muscle. The patient receives a sedative to promote restfulness and prevent discomfort. A cardiologist or nurse, and a cardiac ultrasound technician, are present throughout the procedure.

The 24-hour Holter Monitor is an EKG taken for a 24-hour period during which the patient is able to move around and do his or her daily activities at home.
To schedule a 24-Hour Holter Monitor, call Central Scheduling at (732) 294-2778.
If you have a specific question about 24-Hour Holter Monitor testing, visit our 24-Hour Holter Monitor FAQs for more information.

Q: How do I get my test results?
A: The recording will be scanned the day you bring it back. Your physician will receive the results in one to three days. Make certain we have your doctor's address before you leave. You may resume your daily activities after the monitor is removed.

Q: What happens during the test?
A: To set up the test, five electrodes are placed in different locations on the chest. A cable connects the patient to a recorder that will record non-stop over the following 24 hours. The patient is then sent home.

If the patient exhibits symptoms at home, he/she will press an "event button" that will mark the time of the symptom. Patients are also given a diary in which to record the symptom, the number (example, [035]), and the activity they were doing when the symptom occurred. After 24 hours, the patient is asked to return to the Cardiology Services Department to have the monitor removed.

Q: What should I avoid doing while wearing the Holter Monitor?
A: Do not take a bath or shower. You may wash as long as the recorder does not get wet. Do not use an electric blanket while wearing the recorder. If you are allergic to any tape, alert the technician before the electrodes are placed on your chest.

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