What isotope is used for nuclear stress test?

Some cardiologists prefer to use thallium-201, while others use technetium-99m, which is also known as Cardiolite (technetium-99m sestamibi) or Myoview (technetium-99m tetrofosmin).

What isotope is used in cardiac imaging?

The isotope of choice for routine labelling of kits for diagnostic work is technetium-99m. This radionuclide has a gamma photon emission that can be used with the gamma camera with no associated beta emission, therefore minimising the radiation exposure to the patient.

What drugs are used in chemical stress test?

Adenosine, dipyridamole (Persantine), and dobutamine are the most widely available pharmacologic agents for stress testing. Regadenoson, an adenosine analog, has a longer half-life than adenosine, and therefore a bolus versus continuous administration. Adenosine, dipyridamole, and regadenosine are cardiac vasodilators.

What do they inject you with for a stress test?

In the nuclear stress test with exercise, a radionuclide, such as thallium or technetium, is injected into a vein in the hand or arm. When the radionuclide has circulated through the blood stream, a gamma camera takes pictures of the heart while the patient is lying down. This is known as the “rest scan” of the heart.

How long does radioactive tracer stay in the body?

In general, the scans themselves might last about 30 to 60 minutes, not including the time that it takes the tracer to be absorbed. In some cases, like bone sans, absorbing the tracer could take 2 to 3 hours.

How are radioactive isotopes used to diagnose health problems?

Diagnostic techniques in nuclear medicine use radioactive tracers which emit gamma rays from within the body. These tracers are generally short-lived isotopes linked to chemical compounds which permit specific physiological processes to be scrutinized. They can be given by injection, inhalation, or orally.

What are the dangers of a chemical stress test?

Risks of Stress Test

  • A rare allergic reaction to the radioactive dye used in a nuclear stress test.
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness.
  • Heart attack (very rare)
  • Low blood pressure.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Pain or pressure in the chest, jaw, neck, or left arm or between the shoulder blades.

What is the difference between a nuclear stress test and a chemical stress test?

A nuclear stress test is very similar to a regular stress test, except it also includes imaging of your heart and radioactive dye in your veins. This test takes pictures of blood flow to your heart by first injecting radioactive dye (radiopharmaceutical or radiotracer) into your bloodstream before the images are taken.

Are radioactive isotopes safe?

When used in carefully controlled medical applications, radioactive isotopes are safe and not nearly as scary as we first imagined. The radiation from these isotopes have a short half life and only give off low levels of radiation.