What is a thallium scan?
How is this test done?
How should I prepare for this test?
Is the thallium scan dangerous?
Where should I go for my thallium scan?
How will I get my results?
Related health topics
What is a thallium scan?
A thallium scan is a method of examining the heart in order to get information
about the blood supply to the heart muscle. Special cameras take a series
of pictures of the heart during the scan. A radioactive substance, called
a tracer, is injected into the bloodstream. The tracer attaches to certain
cells and makes them visible to the special camera. The tracer attaches
to the muscle cells of the heart so the imaging camera can take pictures
of the heart muscles. If an area of the heart does not have a good blood
supply, then the cells in that area will not receive as much tracer. This
will show up as a darker area on the picture taken by the camera.
How is this test done?
There are two parts to the test: the medication portion with pictures,
and the rest portion with pictures. Since you will not be exercising on
the treadmill for this test, the medicine, adenosine, will be given to
you to exercise your heart. You will have an intravenous (IV) line placed
in your arm, EKG patches will be applied to your chest and connected to
an EKG machine to monitor your heart and a blood pressure cuff will be
placed on your arm to monitor your blood pressure. You will lie on a table
and the medication, adensonine, will be given to you through your IV.
You may feel your heart pump faster and stronger. The tracer is then given
through your IV.
You will lie flat on a table with your arm above your head. The technologist
will help you get comfortable. A large imaging camera will be brought
close to your chest for the first set of scans. A technologist will make
the necessary adjustments and the imaging will begin. It is important
to lie still during the scan. A technologist will be nearby if you need
anything. This part of the scan lasts about 25 minutes.
A second set of pictures will be taken approximately three hours after
you receive your injection. You will be free to wait in the waiting room
or go to the cafeteria. You may drink fluids that do not contain caffeine,
but please do not eat anything since this may affect the scan results.
Ask the technologist when you should return to nuclear medicine, and check
in at the Scan Appointment Desk when you return. You can expect the entire
test to take approximately 5 to 6 hours.
How should I prepare
for this test?
To prepare for the adenosine thallium scan, do not eat or drink after
midnight. Please do not drink or eat anything containing caffeine for
24 hours before the test; this includes decaf coffee and chocolate. Please
do not smoke on the day of the test. If you are diabetic, you will need
special instructions from your doctor or the clinic nurse.
Most medications are taken as usual; however, some medications may interfere
with results of the adenosine scan. For example, if you are taking theophylline
(thee-OFF-eh-len), Persantine (purr-SAN-teen), or trental (trehn-TAHL),
be sure to talk with your doctor or the clinic nurse. You will be told
to stop taking some medications so that they will not interfere with the
scan. If you have any questions about other medications, be sure to ask.
Is the thallium scan
dangerous?
It is unlikely that you will feel any effects from the injection. The
amount of radiation you will be exposed to is no more than you would receive
from other x-ray tests and is not harmful to you. However, if there is
any chance you might be pregnant, please notify your doctor.
If you have asthma or other lung problems, be sure to talk with your
doctor or the clinic nurse because a medicine other than adenosine may
be recommended. From this point on, your test will be the same as the
resting portion of the scan.
Where should I go for my
thallium scan?
Please report to the Nuclear Medicine department located on level B-1
of the hospital. You will check in at the Scan Appointment Desk, which
is room 31. Be sure to bring your blue
University of Michigan Hospitals registration card. You can get directions
from the Information Desk or Wayfinder at the main entrance.
How will I get my results?
Your doctor will be given the results of your test within one to two weeks.
You will be contacted by telephone by your doctor or a return visit may
be scheduled to discuss the results. If you encounter any problems after
your test, or if you have any questions, please contact your doctor's
office or the clinic nurse.
To find a doctor, call 1-800-211-8181 or click
here .
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This
information is approved and/or reviewed by U-M Health System providers
but it is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for medical
treatment. You should speak to your physician or make
an appointment to be seen if you have questions or concerns about
this information or your medical condition.