Acute myocardial perfusion imaging involves careful planning from the nuclear medicine or nuclear cardiology laboratory to ensure optimal results are achieved. The role of the technologist is to ensure a high-quality study is performed on every patient who is referred to the laboratory. This is one of the most important roles because the decision for further evaluation can be based on the interpretation of the acute images. When acute myocardial perfusion imaging is used appropriately, in conjunction with standard methods of evaluation for patients presenting to the emergency department with chest pain syndromes perceived to be cardiac in origin, it can be of great benefit. It offers a more definitive diagnosis of chest pain syndromes and can be used to reduce the expense of otherwise costly hospital stays, even in patients with moderate risk of ischemic heart disease.
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