RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Urinary Voiding as a Tool to Reduce Radiation Exposure in the Nuclear Stress Lab
JF Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
JO J. Nucl. Med. Technol.
FD Society of Nuclear Medicine
SP jnmt.118.212548
DO 10.2967/jnmt.118.212548
A1 Desai, Santosh
A1 Unzek, Samuel
A1 Arsanjani, Reza
A1 Krause, Stephanie
A1 Nguyen, Ba
A1 Shamoun, Fadi
A1 Pavlicek, William
YR 2019
UL http://tech.snmjournals.org/content/early/2019/01/25/jnmt.118.212548.abstract
AB Rationale: Nuclear stress testing is being increasingly utilized in the cardiovascular risk stratification of patients. Radiation is an important consideration and attempts to minimize exposure should be implemented. Efficiency and cost effectiveness are cornerstones in the delivery of quality patient care and should also be considered when implementing change. Methods: We studied 88 consecutive patients who presented to our stress lab for pharmacologic nuclear stress testing. A single day rest and stress protocol with low level exercise was utilized for all patients. After the stress portion of the exam, we measured Geiger counter activity above the bladder area to establish a baseline. Patients were then allowed to void and repeat measurements were taken. Results: We detected a 16.9% reduction from baseline radiation levels above the bladder area post voiding. Conclusion: Urinary voiding is a simple, cost effective strategy at reducing radiation exposure in the nuclear stress lab.