As the use of noninvasive cardiac imaging continues to grow, understanding the radiation exposure associated with different diagnostic tests has become increasingly important for both clinicians and patients.
A recent global study examining radiation doses from cardiac imaging across 101 countries and more than 19,000 patients found that radiation exposure can vary significantly depending on imaging modality, geographic region, and facility practices.¹
Understanding Radiation Exposure Across Cardiac Imaging Modalities
The study evaluated several commonly used noninvasive tests for coronary artery disease, including:
Nuclear cardiology imaging (SPECT and PET)
Coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS)
Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA)
Across these modalities, researchers observed variation in radiation dose, both between different types of tests and among facilities performing the same procedure.
Among functional cardiac imaging modalities, Cardiac PET is associated with lower radiation exposure than SPECT - median effective dose was 2.0 mSv for PET and 6.5 mSv for SPECT, and 81% of centers performing nuclear cardiology achieved a median dose of 9 mSv or less.¹
Variation Across Facilities and Regions
One of the most notable findings from the study was the degree of variability in radiation exposure across sites. Even when the same imaging modality was used, patients often received different radiation doses based on factors such as equipment, imaging protocols, and operator experience.¹
These findings reinforce the importance of modern technology, standardized protocols, and experienced clinical teams to ensure patients receive accurate diagnoses while minimizing unnecessary radiation exposure.
Reducing Variation Through Standardized Cardiac PET Support
With one in three Cardiac PET patients in the U.S. imaged through a CDL Nuclear Technologies-supported program and with more than three decades of proven clinical expertise, CDL Nuclear supports the successful implementation and operation of Cardiac PET programs for cardiology practices, hospitals, and health systems, leveraging an approach that reflects the broader support needed to improve imaging quality and consistency.
CDL Nuclear understands that improving the quality of cardiac imaging requires more than just access to advanced technology:
Standardized workflows, developed through practice as the nation’s leading provider of custom Cardiac PET suites
Operational infrastructure backed by the experience of supporting 139 sites in 28 states, and counting
Reliable access, reinforced by CDL Nuclear’s position as the world’s largest purchaser of Rb-82 generators
By combining advanced Cardiac PET solutions with experienced support, CDL Nuclear helps healthcare providers deliver reliable diagnostic insights across a growing national network, bringing greater consistency, access, and confidence to cardiac imaging.
Connect with our team to learn how our flexible solutions and end-to-end support can help you implement a successful and safe Cardiac PET program.
¹ Einstein AJ, Williams MC, Weir-McCall JR, et al. Worldwide radiation dose in coronary artery disease diagnostic imaging. JAMA. Published online February 25, 2026. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2845479