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Regional Medical Center > Cardiopulmonary Support Services > Instructions for Cardiopulmonary Procedure

Instructions for Cardiopulmonary Procedure

Registration

  • Please allow at least 30 to 40 minutes for parking and registration.
  • Register for EKG, EEG/EP, Stress EKG, Pulmonary Function, and Sputum Inductions in the Specialty Center North Building. You will be instructed to report to the EKG/EEG trailer for these tests.

Echocardiogram

An Echocardiogram is a test that shows your doctor a picture of your heart at work. The technician will place a camera like device on your chest to get pictures of your heart. This provides important information to your doctor. The registration office for the Echocardiogram test is located in the main hospital building on the first floor. Register, and then take elevators to 3rd floor. Follow signs to Diagnostic Imaging/Radiology Department and let the receptionist know that you are there. She will notify the ECHO Technician when you arrive for your appointment.

  1. Wear comfortable clothes.
  2. Take all medications as prescribed by your physician.
  3. You may have a light meal before your test.

EKG Test/Stress EKG

An EKG is a simple procedure that takes about 10 minutes to complete. A stress test is an exercise test with an EKG, and usually takes an hour.

  1. Wear loose fitting clothing, comfortable shoes so that you can walk comfortably.
  2. You may have a light meal before your test.
  3. For the stress EKG, be prepared to exercise vigorously.

Holter Monitor/Event Monitor Testing

The holter monitor is a small device that monitors your heart rhythm for a 24-hour period. Your appointment will take approximately 20 minutes.

  1. Shower the morning of your test, you should not shower after you have the monitor on.
  2. Use no lotion, oils, or powders on your skin after you shower.

Pulmonary Function

A pulmonary function test can take up to 1 hour for a full study.

  1. Do not smoke for at least 1 hour prior to test.
  2. Do not use your medication inhaler or nebulizer for at least four hours prior to test.
  3. If you are on Theodur, theophylline, or aminophylline type medication, do not take your morning dose, unless your doctor tells you to.
  4. If you have a chest cold or viral infection, it may be necessary to reschedule your test.

EEG Test / Evoked Potential

Electroencephalogram is a simple test to measure the electrical activity of your brain. Evoke Potential is a test to monitor certain nerve responses.

  1. Wash your hair the night before teStreet Do not use oils, sprays, or conditioner on hair before test.
  2. Take all your regularly prescribed medications; bring a list of all medications with you to the test.
  3. Eat a heavy meal prior to your test.
  4. Do not drink coffee, tea, or alcohol for 24 hours prior to the test.
  5. If your test is a Sleep Deprived EEG, do not sleep 24 hours prior to the teStreet We want you to be able to sleep during test.
  6. Wear loose comfortable clothing.

Sleep Studies

Sleep studies are tests to determine if you have obstructive sleep apnea. They are done at your home and during your hours of sleep. Please make an appointment to have the monitoring device attached at the Martinez Campus and to be returned before 10 AM the next day.


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