Nuclear Cardiology: Nuclear Cardiology:

Chapter 2 / Laboratory Logistics 29Table 2-4Rest Equilibrium Radionuclide AngiocardiographyDraw Label ReinjectRest ERNA iv line blood blood blood Imaging Total timePlanar 10 min 1 min 20 min 1 min 30 min 62 minSPECT 10 min 1 min 20 min 1 min 40 min 72 minTable 2-5Rest–Exercise Equilibrium Radionuclide Angiography aR-Ex Blood Rest Stress Ex ERNA Ex ERNA Ex ERNA Post Ex TotalERNA labeling ERNA Set-up Stage1 Stage 2 Stage “n” ERNA timePlanar 30 min 30 min 30 min 3 min 3min 3xn min 3 min 102+ mina Note: Rest–exercise ERNA is shown for completeness. In actual practice exercise ERNAs are currentlyinfrequently performed in most laboratories.FITTING ERNAS INTO THE DAILY SCHEDULEFitting ERNAs into the daily laboratory schedule is usually relativelyeasy if the ERNA volume is small. If the gamma camera used for myocardialperfusion imaging is also used for ERNAs, the most practicalapproach is to schedule ERNAs either at the beginning or at the end ofthe working day.It is generally not practical to attempt to “squeeze” ERNAs betweentwo myocardial perfusion studies in the course of the day. A complexschedule has the unavoidable tendency to run behind in time. A schedulethat is too tight also causes problems and undesirable delays.Obviously if the laboratory has a dedicated gamma camera forERNAs, there is no interference with the general daily schedule.REFERENCE1. DePuey GE, Garcia EV (eds) (2001). Updated imaging guidelines for nuclearcardiology procedures, Part I. J Nucl Cardiol 8;G1–58.