What is nuclear cardiology?
The best way to explain the use of nuclear medicine in cardiology, is to think of a conventional X-ray or CT examination where a machine distributes radiation which passes through a patient's body. Doctors in nuclear cardiology use the opposite approach to see your heart by introducing a radioactive material, usually by injection, into your body. A scanning device known as a gamma camera detects the radiation and produces a digital image of your heart that allows the cardiologist to evaluate your cardiac function. Tests include:
- Myocardial Perfusion Stress Test (Cardiolite)
- Cardiolite Stress Test - Adenosine
- Myocardial Perfusion Stress Test (IV Persantine Cardiolite)
- Nuclear Cardiology Stress Test
- Exercise Stress Test
I'm concerned about exposure to radiation
Nuclear medicine tests are very safe because the radioactive materials used in these exams decay rapidly into non-radioactive form, remaining inside your body for a very short time. In fact, the total dose of radiation that you receive is relatively small - similar and sometimes even less than in many other kinds of X-ray procedures.
How do I get my results?
Danbury Hospital's Nuclear Cardiology Department uses a state-of-the-art gamma camera to produce pictures of your heart in the form of digital images. These images are displayed on specialized high-resolution video monitors and reviewed by one of Danbury Hospital's specially trained and certified cardiologists within a few hours of your exam. He or she will report your results to your physician who will then provide the results of the test to you.
Insurance and billing information
Many insurance plans require that a referral and/or an authorization be obtained from the plan to assure payment for a Nuclear Cardiology test. The doctor who ordered the test is usually required to call the insurance plan to provide patient information and to receive authorization for payment to the patient.
Nuclear Cardiology Staff
Danbury Hospital requires that nuclear cardiology technicians are registered by either the Nuclear Medicine Technologist Certification Board (NMTCB) or the American Registry for Radiological Technicians (ARRT) to demonstrate specific knowledge in Nuclear Cardiology testing and equipment. These technicians have passed several exams illustrating knowledge and competency in techniques specific to nuclear cardiology, are trained on how to use specialized equipment, and to administer tests. Additionally, the staff members have competency in how to recognize abnormalities and complications that are identified during testing.
To find out more
The physicians and staff of Danbury Hospital's Nuclear Cardiology Department recommend visiting the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology web site for more information.
