PET/CT Heart — With or Without IV Contrast
Cardiac PET/CT uses a radioactive tracer and CT images to assess heart blood flow, metabolism, and structure. The protocol may include or omit IV contrast.
["This imaging test helps evaluate heart function and identify areas of abnormal blood flow or metabolism."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 82801-2
- Short code
- PET+CT Hrt W RNC IV+WO contr
- Synonyms
- PET+CT Hrt W RNC IV+WO contr
- 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?
Cardiac PET/CT combines positron emission tomography (PET) with CT imaging. A radioactive tracer is given through a vein, and the scanner creates images that show heart blood flow, metabolic activity, and anatomy; the CT portion may also use iodinated IV contrast.
Why might I need this test?
This test may be ordered to evaluate suspected coronary artery disease, reduced blood flow to the heart, areas of heart damage, or unusual heart metabolism. It may also be used when symptoms or other imaging tests have not explained the cause of a heart problem.
How is the test performed?
You lie in a scanner while the PET camera detects radiation from the tracer and the CT scanner takes detailed images. The test may include a resting study, exercise or medication stress, and comparison images; IV contrast is used only if it is part of your ordered protocol.
How do I prepare for the test?
Preparation depends on the specific protocol, so follow the imaging center's instructions about eating, diabetes medications, and blood glucose. Avoid strenuous activity beforehand, tell the staff if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and report kidney disease or a previous contrast reaction.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal results may indicate reduced or uneven blood flow, ischemic heart tissue, prior heart damage, or abnormal metabolism. Interpretation depends on the type of PET study performed and should be combined with symptoms and other cardiac tests. Some apparent abnormalities can also result from heart-rate changes, movement, uneven tracer distribution, or other imaging factors.
Short name
Cardiac PET/CT
Frequently asked questions
Is radioactive material used for this test?
Does this test always use IV contrast?
Can I exercise before the test?
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