What is a thallium scan used for?
A thallium (or cardiolite) scan uses a radioactive tracer to see how much blood is reaching different parts of your heart. These tests are the more common forms of tests called nuclear medicine scans.
What is a thallium viability study?
A Nuclear Medicine Thallium Viability Scan is a test used to evaluate the blood flow to the heart. After a heart attack (myocardial infarction), some of the heart muscle may be permanently damaged or scarred. Once this occurs, the area affected will cease to function properly.
How is a viability test done?
There are two parts to the viability test. First, a scan is done to measure resting blood flow in the heart. A radioactive tracer (either rubidium-82 or ammonia-13) is injected into your bloodstream and is taken up by the heart. The PET camera detects radiation released by the tracer to produce the images.
What is a myocardial viability scan?
A cardiac viability scan is done to assess how much heart muscle has. been damaged by a heart attack or heart disease. It checks: • Blood supply to your heart. • How well your heart muscle works (viability)
What does a cardiolite test show?
A Cardiolite® stress test takes pictures of your heart muscles and arteries (blood vessels). This test will be done while you exercise. Exercise makes your heart work harder. This test will show caregivers how your heart performs when it needs to work hard.
What is a cardiolite procedure?
A Cardiolite scan is a test that uses a radioactive substance, known as a tracer, to produce images of the heart muscle. When combined with an exercise test, the Cardiolite scan helps determine if areas of the heart are not receiving enough blood.
What is a lexiscan thallium stress test?
The lexiscan stress test involves injecting a medication called lexiscan into your IV while you are closely monitored. The medication makes the heart respond as if you are exercising. This test is used for people that are unable to exercise or can’t exercise for very long.
What is the CPT code for thallium viability study?
It would be the 78451 if single spect imaging was done which is usually the case. In addition you would have your A9505 for thalium and 93015 for your treadmill or pharmaceutical stress portion if done.
What is a viability scan?
Home/Early Pregnancy Scan/Viability Scan. This is an ultrasound examination that is usually carried out vaginally but can be done abdominally at around 7 weeks onwards. It aims to determine the number of fetuses present and whether the pregnancy is progressing normally inside the uterus.
What is a cardiac PET scan?
A PET study is a test used to check blood flow to your heart. During the test, a small amount of radioactive tracer is injected into a vein. The tracer is not a dye or contrast. A special camera, called a PET scanner, detects the radiation released by the tracer and creates computer images of your heart.
What is thallium test for heart?
A thallium stress test is a nuclear medicine study that shows your physician how well blood flows through your heart muscle while you’re exercising or at rest. This exam also allows your physician to visualize whether there has been any damage done to your heart by any problems you may have had previously.
What is a PET scan of the heart?
Where is thallium injected in a stress test?
A nurse or healthcare professional inserts an intravenous (IV) line, usually on the inside of your elbow. A radioisotope or radiopharmaceutical medication, such as thallium or sestamibi, is injected through the IV. The radioactive material marks your blood flow and is picked up by the gamma camera.
Where does the radioisotope go during a stress test?
During the procedure, a liquid with a small amount of radioactivity called a radioisotope is administered into one of your veins. The radioisotope will flow through your bloodstream and end up in your heart.
When does a doctor order a thallium test?
Your doctor may order a thallium test for a variety of reasons, including: if they suspect your heart isn’t getting enough blood flow when it’s under stress — for example, when you exercise. if you have chest pain or worsening angina. if you’ve had a previous heart attack. to check how well medications are working.
What are dangers of thalium stress test?
Risks and complications of a thallium stress test. Most people tolerate the thallium stress test very well. You may feel a sting as the medication that simulates exercise is injected, followed by a warm feeling. Some people may experience headache, nausea, and a racing heart.