Dob_dukeclinic

Your physician has scheduled a Dobutamine Stress Echo Test for you in the Cardiac
Diagnostic Unit (CDU) located at Clinic 2K in the Duke South Clinic Building on Trent
Drive. If you have questions about this test, feel free to cal our clinic at (919) 684-5295
(when prompted press 1).
The CDU is in Clinic 2K, located on the 2nd floor. If you are entering the building from
the ground level, take the elevator or escalator to the 2nd floor, and fol ow the signs to
Clinic 2K. Information desks are available to assist with finding the clinics.
Arriving prior to your scheduled appointment time is not required. However, finding a
parking space and the check in process for your appointment may take additional time.
Therefore, you may wish to arrive at Duke 30 minutes prior to your test.
Expect to be in our clinic for 1 to 2 hours from your scheduled appointment time. Family
members or friends may accompany you for your visit to our clinic, but wil not be
al owed in the room while the test is being performed. Due to the smal size of our
waiting room, we must ask you to limit the friends and family members with you to no
more than 2, if possible. If a child is with you, please note they may not be left alone in
our lobby unattended, and must be accompanied by an adult at al times.
As is Duke’s culture, our clinic is a teaching facility. A cardiology fel ow (doctor who is
specializing in cardiology), a visiting nurse from another area within Duke, or a student
sonographer may assist in your test, in conjunction with a registered nurse and/or a
registered sonographer. Please ask if you have questions, or share any concerns with
our staff.
Parking Information:
Parking for the Duke South Clinic Building is located on Trent Drive in the parking deck
(which is pay by the hour). Valet parking service is available in the circle in the front of
the Duke South Clinic Building (one fee payment).
Wheelchair Assistance:
It is a long walk to Clinic 2K from the front of the building. You can obtain a wheelchair
and/or escort by stopping at the information desk in the lobby of the clinic building or at
information desk at the entrance of the over street walkway from the parking deck to the
clinic building. Some wheelchairs are kept at both locations for patient use.
Dobutamine Stress Echo Test Information:
This test evaluates how wel your heart contracts at rest and as your heart rate
increases from receiving the medication Dobutamine. An IV (intravenous) catheter wil
be started to administer the medication, which wil elevate your heart rate as if you were
exercising. Dobutamine is given to increase your heart rate to a desired level that is
determined by your age. Ultrasound images are taken before, during, and at the end of the test. Your blood pressure and heart rhythm (EKG) wil be monitored throughout the test. Some things for you to know prior to your test include: • Do not have any caffeine or tobacco for at least 3-4 hours before the test. • You may eat a light meal prior to your study • Wear comfortable shoes for walking-(tennis shoes or flat heeled shoes) • Bring a list of the medications you are taking • If you have diabetes, please notify the nurse prior to the study • Feel free to ask any questions about the procedure at any time during your visit. • An imaging agent may be given during this test to assist in obtaining optimal diagnostic images of your heart with ultrasound. There are some medications that may interfere with the study. These are cal ed beta
blockers. Common names for these include Coreg (carvedilol), Tenormin
(atenolol), Lopressor, Toprol XL (metoprolol), among others. If you are on these,
please contact the physician who ordered the study to see if they may be
stopped. If your doctor agrees, we recommend not taking your beta blockers for
48 hours or 2 full days (including the morning of your test). You should bring this
medication with you to restart this medication immediately after your test.
Study results wil be available to the ordering physician with 1-2 business days of the
test. Please contact that physician for your results. If you have any questions before
your study, please contact us at (919) 684-5295 (Press1) and ask to speak with a
nurse.
We look forward to the opportunity to participate in your care. Our goal is to provide
patients with the best possible service. We hope that you wil find our staff to be
courteous, pleasant, and efficient.
Feel free to contact our office with any questions by cal ing (919) 684-5295 (when
prompted, press 1). We are happy to help.

Source: https://healthview.dukehealth.org/wps/attachments/DOB_DukeClinic.pdf