In-office Nuclear Testing
Stockton Cardiology provides Nuclear PET and SPECT imaging of the heart in our offices. These tests provide another kind of imaging of the heart that your cardiologist may need. The tests use a minimally radioactive tracer medication and Nuclear imaging cameras.
First, the tracer medication is injected via an intravenous portal in the hand or arm and allowed to circulate for a period of time. The patient then lies down on the Nuclear camera bed while the camera head moves in rotation around the patient, capturing various images of the heart at intervals. It is an open room and the camera head is an open device. All that is required of the patient is to lie still during the camera rotation.
Cardiac PET Scan
One type of Nuclear imaging is the cardiac PET scan (Positron Emission Technology). A PET scan is a noninvasive nuclear imaging test that uses a radioactive tracer liquid, often fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) to produce pictures of your heart and its function.
It provides improved accuracy, less radiation and increased efficiency compared to other modes of nuclear stress testing
A PET scan produces three-dimensional color images of the body using radionuclides. They also demonstrate how organs and tissues work in real time and can detect cellular changes early.
The advantages of a PET scan over other types are: the high diagnostic accuracy, low radiation exposure, decreased retesting due to image clarity, shorter test duration (less than an hour).
Cardiac SPECT Scan
A cardiac SPECT scan (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) is another specialized nuclear imaging test that also uses a radioactive substance and a special camera to create 3D pictures of your heart. This test helps us see how well blood is flowing to your heart muscle.
Radioactive tracers highlight areas of blood flow, allowing us to check for conditions like clogged coronary arteries.
If the arteries that feed the heart muscle become narrowed or clogged, the parts of the heart muscle served by these arteries can become damaged.
While SPECT scans use small amounts of radiation, the test is not associated with any long-term health risks.
How to prepare before a Cardiac PET or SPECT Scan:
- Leave metallic jewelry at home.
- Inform the technologist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Bring a list of ALL medicines and supplements you are taking.
Nuclear Stress Test
A Nuclear Stress Test is a Stress Test that uses Nuclear imaging (PET or SPECT) to capture images of how blood flows through the heart soon after exercise. The test is used to diagnose Coronary Artery Disease, and the severity level. It helps your cardiologist to choose the best treatments for your condition, and to determine how effective your treatment has been.
Read more about Stress Tests.