Best Place to have Thalium Stress Test Done

[Bonnie Lipinski]

My doctor has recommended a thalium stress test because of a possible false positive result on a regular stress test.  I have had chest pressure and pain for several months.  We are ruling out all heart possibilities before pursuing gastrointestinal issues.  He has given me two options for this test.  One is to have the stress test done in his office, be injected there with the thalium, and then I will be driven to a lab to have the scan done within two hours.  The other option is to have it done at the hospital.  He said that the first option is cheaper and they only do a resting scan if there is a problem with the first scan.  My concern is that being scanned "within two hours" of being on the treadmill will not give as good a result as being scanned immediately after being on the treadmill like I assume they would do at the hospital.  He said it is still an exercise induced scan if it is done within two hours.  Please give some direction.

[CCF CARDIO MD JMF]

Dear Bonnie,

I would opt for this to be done at one hospital if possible to avoid problems and a bettter test.

If you have concerns regarding your test results please contact us with further questions.

[iva]

I have had at least four thallium stress tests, each one done at the Drs office, you then return home as the liquid is all through your body, you return within three hours ,they then put you under the machine to see if all of the fluid is out of your arteries if so thats good news, My Dr shows me the x ray and if there is a blockage it will show up, yes the time in between treadmill & testing is needed.......Good luck Iva

[Dick]

Hi Bonnie
Just an opinion, but if it was me and I had insurance, I would have it all at one place, stress test and all and forget the driving around.  I have had 3 nuclear scans, one at a major midwest center, and two others in the Omaha area.  I am not about to start getting part here and part there.  There is enough stress involved with the test itself, why add more.  Then you won't be having the doubts about the quality of the test.

[CCF CARDIO MD JMF]

Thank you for your comments.