A computer is used to process the information from the test, then the results are analyzed by a doctor.
A cardiac blood pool scan is sometimes called equilibrium radionuclide angiocardiography or gated (synchronized) cardiac blood pool imaging.
Pregnant women are the only patients who should not participate in a cardiac blood pool scan.
When data from many sequential pictures is processed by a computer, a doctor can analyze whether the left ventricle is functioning normally.
Cardiac blood pool scans are a safe and effective way of measuring left ventricle function. The only risk is to the fetus of a pregnant woman.
A multiplegated acquisition (MUGA) scan is a variation of this test.
It is also called a cardiac blood pool study
The patient may resume normal activities immediately.
To perform a cardiac blood pool scan, the patient lies under a special gamma scintillation camera that detects radiation. A protein tagged with a radioactive marker (usually technetium-99m) is injected into the patient's forearm.
Conditions such as arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), poor injection technique, improper patient positioning, motion artifacts, and low gamma camera sensitivity can produce inaccurate results from a cardiac blood pool scan. These factors can affect the quality and interpretation of the images obtained during the scan. Regular quality control procedures and careful attention to detail are essential to minimize these sources of error.
A cardiac blood pool scan usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour to complete. This imaging test allows doctors to evaluate the function and efficiency of the heart's chambers and valves by tracking the movement of a radioactive substance through the blood.
The patient needs to remain silent and motionless during the test.
No changes in diet or medication are necessary. An ECG will probably be done before the test.