| Services
Cardiac PET - Rubidium-82 (Rb-82) - Myocardial Perfusion:
A minimally invasive diagnostic test that effectively and accurately shows how well blood flows to the heart muscle. Cardiac PET uses the FDA-approved radiopharmaceutical Rubidium-82 (Rb-82) which has a sensitivity or accuracy of 96% in diagnosing Coronary Artery Disease.
We are pleased to be the first PET center in the north east to offer the newest, most accurate and minimally invasive technology for imaging of the heart, Cardiac PET - Rubidium-82 (Rb-82).
Uses:
After equivocal thallium or sestamibi (cardiolite) spect study
Discordant clinical, ECG, and Myocardial Perfusion spect results
To accurately image men/women with large breast mass and with a BMI <31 (otherwise it's difficult to accurately image).
Obese patients
Patients with a history of global heart disease
| Cardiac - Clinical Indications for Ordering PET |
| |
Insurance
(for other insurers, call) |
| Angina |
MEDICARE, AETNA,UHC,BCBS |
| Coronary Atherosclerosis |
MEDICARE, AETNA,UHC,BCBS |
| Chest Pain |
MEDICARE, AETNA |
| Electrocardiogram - Abnormal |
MEDICARE |
| Shortness of Breath |
MEDICARE |
Preparation:
Contact our customer service staff for your specific instructions.
Consult with your physician about going off beta-blockers for 48 hours and calcium blockers for 24 hours before the test.
Do not eat or drink 6 hours prior to your exam. (Diabetics, please consult your physician prior to the exam).
No caffeine for 24 hours prior to exam, including: chocolate, sodas, and teas coffee, Excedrin. Refrain from decaffeinated products that contain small doses of caffeine.
Please bring a list of all medications.
Wear comfortable clothing.
Bring signed doctor's order.
Bring prior scans or images, insurance co-payment and photo identification.
Day of the Exam:
The technologist will explain your procedure and answer any questions you might have.
You will receive an intravenous injection (in your vein) of a radiotracer material.
The level of radioactivity is extremely low with no side effects.
You will lie flat on your backon a comfortable table.
Using a special open scanner, pictures of your body will be obtained. The scanner does not produce any radiation.
How Long is the Exam?:
The actual scan takes only 50 minutes; however, a radiotracer is administered through IV injection so prepare to be at the center for 2-3 hours.
After the Exam:
There are no limitations following the exam and you can return to your normal daily activities.
Exam Results:
Results will be sent directly to your physician, who will then contact you.
Insurance Coverage:
Covered by most insurance companies. For a complete list, contact customer service at 301-441-9696. |
