NUCLEAR CARDIOLOGY LABORATORY
The UAB Medicine Nuclear Cardiology Laboratory has advanced equipment that is used to
perform a variety of cardiovascular imaging tests. During these tests, a small amount of
radioactive dye called a radiotracer is administered through a vein. The radiotracer travels
through the blood to the heart, then a special imaging device called a gamma camera is
used to create images of the structure and function of the heart. The tests also can show
blood flow to the heart and detect whether you have had a heart attack or are at risk of
having one in the future.
The Nuclear Cardiology Laboratory performs stress tests to detect significant blockages
in the coronary arteries, viability studies to determine the presence and extent of
damaged heart muscle, and tests that evaluate heart function, known as radionuclide
cineangiograms. Stress testing can be accomplished either by the patient exercising
on a treadmill or with special medicines that simulate exercise. The heart scan will be
performed using state-of-the-art single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) or
positron emission testing (PET) technologies.
The lab is nationally accredited by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission, which sets
standards for quality patient care.
Types of Tests:
• Exercise stress test
• Metabolic stress test
• Nuclear stress test – treadmill
• Nuclear stress test – pharmacological
• MUGA scan
• Viability study
• Resting myocardial perfusion scan