PET/CT of the Heart, With or Without IV Contrast
A heart PET/CT combines metabolic imaging with CT anatomy. The CT portion may be performed with or without intravenous contrast.
["This test uses PET and CT images to help evaluate heart metabolism, blood flow, or other abnormalities."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 82800-4
- Short code
- PET+CT Hrt W RNC IV+W contr IV
- Synonyms
- PET+CT Hrt W RNC IV+W contr IV
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- pt-ct
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
A heart PET/CT uses a radioactive tracer to show areas of differing metabolic activity, while CT provides detailed images of the heart's structure. Depending on the protocol, the CT images may be obtained with or without intravenous contrast.
Why might I need this test?
This test may be ordered to evaluate heart blood flow, identify areas of reduced or abnormal metabolism, assess whether heart muscle remains viable, or investigate suspected inflammation or other cardiac conditions. It may also support broader evaluation when heart involvement is suspected.
How is the test performed?
A radioactive tracer is usually given through an intravenous line, and the patient rests before lying on a table for the PET/CT scan. The scanner collects both metabolic and CT images over some time. If IV contrast is used, it is administered according to the imaging protocol.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the imaging center's instructions, including any required fasting or medication changes. Tell the staff if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have had a prior contrast reaction, or have kidney disease, diabetes, or significant anxiety about enclosed spaces.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
PET/CT findings are interpreted together with symptoms, other tests, and the clinical situation rather than through a simple numeric range. Areas of increased or decreased tracer activity can reflect differences in blood flow or metabolism and may occur with ischemia, reduced heart-muscle function, inflammation, tissue injury, or malignancy, depending on the reason for the test. The radiologist determines whether the findings are meaningful and recommends appropriate follow-up when needed.
Short name
Heart PET/CT
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as a routine heart CT?
Why is IV contrast sometimes used?
Will the test expose me to radiation?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy