In-office Nuclear Testing
Stockton Cardiology provides Nuclear PET and SPECT imaging of the heart at our Stockton office location for patients from all of our locations.
A Patient’s Guide to Nuclear Heart Scans (PET & SPECT)
Your cardiologist may recommend a nuclear heart scan to get a detailed look at the blood flow to your heart muscle. These advanced tests are performed in our Stockton office and help your doctor diagnose and manage various heart conditions.
What is a Nuclear Heart Scan?
Unlike a standard X-ray, a nuclear scan shows how your heart is functioning. The test uses a very small, safe amount of a radioactive material (called a “tracer”) and a special camera. The tracer is given through an IV and travels to your heart muscle. The camera can then detect the tracer and create clear, detailed pictures that show areas of healthy blood flow and areas where blood flow may be reduced.
The entire process is safe, and our imaging equipment is open, so you will not be in an enclosed tunnel. All that is required is for you to lie still while the images are being taken.
Types of Nuclear Scans We Perform
A nuclear heart scan will use either PET or SPECT technology—you will only have one type of scan, not both. Your cardiology team will determine which test is best for you. Here are the key differences:
- Cardiac PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography): This is a very advanced scan that produces high-resolution, 3D images. Compared to a SPECT scan, a PET scan is generally much faster (often under an hour), produces images with higher clarity and detail, and uses a lower dose of radiation.
- Cardiac SPECT Scan (Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography): This is also a highly effective and widely used test that creates valuable 3D images of blood flow to the heart. While the scan itself takes longer to complete than a PET scan, it provides essential information to help your doctor identify narrowed or clogged arteries.
Nuclear Stress Tests
Most nuclear heart scans are performed as a “stress test.” This type of test simply involves taking two sets of pictures to compare your heart’s function:
- Rest Images: The first set of images is taken while you are at rest.
- Stress Images: The second set is taken after your heart has been “stressed,” usually by walking on a treadmill or with a medication (given through your IV) that safely simulates the effects of exercise.
Comparing these two sets of images shows your doctor if any part of your heart muscle struggles to get enough blood when it’s working hard.
What to Expect on the Day of Your Scan
Your scan will be performed by a specially trained and certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist. The technologist will explain the procedure, answer your questions, and place a small IV line into a vein in your arm or hand. They will also place EKG leads (small, sticky patches) on your chest to monitor your heart.
Rest Scan
For the Rest Scan, you will receive the first injection of the tracer through your IV. After a short wait for the tracer to circulate, you will lie on the scanner bed for the first set of images.
Stress Scan
The technologist will then guide you through the stress portion, which involves either walking on a treadmill or receiving a special medication through your IV. You will receive a second injection of the tracer during this time. During the exercise, your heart rhythm will be monitored with an EKG, and your blood pressure may be monitored. Your doctor will also watch for signs and symptoms of stress such as breathlessness and pain. After another brief waiting period, you will lie back on the scanner bed for the second and final set of images.
After Your Scan: Results
After your appointment, a cardiologist specializing in nuclear imaging will review your scans and send a detailed report to your referring doctor. Your doctor’s office will then contact you to discuss the results and any next steps.
How to Prepare for Your PET or SPECT Scan
Proper preparation is essential for an accurate test. Please follow these instructions carefully.
- Fasting: Do not eat anything for at least 3 hours before your appointment.
- No Caffeine: Avoid all caffeine for at least 12 hours before your scan. This includes coffee (regular and decaf), tea, sodas, and chocolate.
- Claustrophobia or Anxiety: Our scanner is an open device, not an enclosed tunnel. However, if you have concerns about anxiety or claustrophobia, please speak with our staff when scheduling your appointment. We are here to help make your experience as comfortable as possible.
- Medications: Bring a list of ALL medications and supplements you take. Continue to take your medicine as usual unless your doctor has given you different instructions.
- Clothing & Jewelry: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting, two-piece clothing. Please leave all metallic jewelry at home.
- Important Health Information: Please inform our staff before the test if you are, or think you might be, pregnant or are currently breastfeeding.
This information is intended for general informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice or a diagnosis of any medical condition. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making decisions related to your health or treatment.