Thallium Test Procedure

I have a question about a thallium test that I had. I was given the thallium test a little while ago and on the stress part of the test I was given some drug to elevate my heart and simulate excercise, many of the pvcs and pacs I complain of showed up, even on the resting test and scan done the previous day. After being given the drug to stress our hearts there was a technical problem with the scanner and I was not scanned for a further 3 - 4 hours I think to be exact I was 'stressed' at 9am and scanned about 12:40 that morning. Would the results from the scan be valid ? or should the test be repeated again ? Many thanks for this board it is such a helpful resource to us all.

[CCF-M.D.-RCJ]

SpiritLightSpeed,

Thanks for the post.

Yes, the results would be valid.  The thallium is trapped in the heart cells during the stress portion, and then the radiation gradually decays.  A 3-4 hour delay should not be a problem.  Additionally, the doctor interpreting the test at any good center will ask that the scan be repeated if the radiation count numbers are low -- he/she doesn't want to sued!


Hope that helps.

[SpiritLightSpeed]

CCF-M.D.-RCJ

Thankyou that indeed did help and has put my mind at ease and made me happy in the fact that I have a structurally sound heart :-) Thankyou once again.

[prinku]

A related discussion, my mother is suffering from angina was started.