Thallium nuclear stress test protocol

80 Years of Radiology Excellence in North Texas

Thalllium Stress Testing

Last Updated: 1/27/2020

This protocol will describe the use of Thallium-201 in myocardial perfusion stress testing.

Patient Prep:
NPO 4 – 6 hrs prior to test. No caffeine for at least 12 hrs prior to the test. Do not give any beta blockers if patient is getting a treadmill or Dobutamine stress test.

Radiopharmaceutical and Dosage: Adult dose: 4 mCi. Pediatric dosage: 35uCi/kg (150 uCi minimum)

Method of Injection: Intravenously through I.V. line.

1. Perform the stress test first (refer to the appropriate stress test protocol: Nuclear Stress-Exercise Treadmill, Nuclear Stress-Lexiscan, or Nuclear Stress-Dobutamine).
2. Inject the patient with 4.0 mCi T1201 as you would when using Myoview or Sestamibi.
3. Begin the stress imaging as soon as possible the injection. Do not wait no more than 5 – 10 minutes, as Thallium starts to redistribute.
   1. DO NOT FEED THE PATIENT UNTIL REST SCAN IS COMPLETE
   • Protocol name - “ST STRESS THALLIUM” and “RT REST THALLIUM.”
   • Isotope Tl-201NMG (15% window around 166 kEV, 20% around 70 KEV).
   • Flood correction: TL-201
   • 64x64 matrix
   • 64 Frames at 40 sec per frame

   Contact Info

   • Address: 816 W Cannon St. Fort Worth, TX 76104
   • Phone number: (817) 321-0499